Pete Alonso Becomes MLB Rookie Home Run King

Pete Alonso is now the All-Time Rookie Home Run King.

The Mets first baseman broke the home run rookie record previously held by Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, by blasting his 53^rd home run of the season in the Mets 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves, Saturday.

With New York already lead 2-0 in the bottom of the third, Alonso took a two-seam fastball from Atlanta’s Mike Foltynewicz and planted it over the wall in right-center field for the solo shot.

As he swung through the pitch, all 32,000 fans in attendance rose in excitement as the Mets first baseman extended his arms over his head as he reached first. As he rounded third for home, Alonso egged on the crowed to keep cheering, before embracing Robinson Cano at home plate and greeting the conga-line of teammates waiting at the top step of the dugout.

In a season full of disappointment and broken dreams, Alonso has been the one true bright spot for the Mets this year.

Not only did he shatter the Mets club and rookie record for home runs in a season to solidify his place as the NL Rookie of the Year, he became the face of the franchise and team leader virtually overnight.

If there is one player who personifies what the Mets want in its players, Alonso is that and more.  Much more in fact.

Alonso has also proven to be a true New Yorker; even donating his 9/11 tribute cleats that he wore on the 18^th Anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The donation will take place Tuesday, October 1 at 10 a.m. at the museum at the World Trade Center.

You can fault General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen for all of the mistakes he made this year, but the one thing he got right was promoting Alonso to the big leagues out of Spring Training.

It is easy to forget that seven months ago, there was a thought that Alonso would begin the season in Triple-A. That of course is laughable to think about now. Van Wagenen and manager Mickey Callaway gave the 24-year old Tampa native a shot in spring ball and he ran with it all the way to Rookie of the Year honors.

If the 2020 Mets are going to have World Series expectations next year, the reason why will be because of the guy wearing number 20.