Memories of Pete Alonso

[Edgy MD]

There was always a stress between him being a one-dimensional thumper and a well-rounded transformational figure. Guys in the booth would describe him as a "future captain" (Gary) and "not a good power hitter, but a good hitter" (Keith), and it wasn't that they were wrong, but you sort of had to squint to see it.

Obviously, the 2024 homer in Milwaukee — that redeemed a meh season, turned around the series the Mets were about to be eliminated in, and broke poor Bob Uecker's heart — stands out as an individual memory, but more generally what I recall was the way he kind of arrogantly but kind of goofily pushed his way into Mets culture and asserted himself in ways he wasn't supposed to, like a teenager in a comic book or stupid movie having the high school administration wrapped around his finger. He was the one who somehow successfully lobbied to bring back black uniforms. He was the one who turned walkoff wins into strip shows. He was the one who invented a fake coach. He was the one who dangerously insinuated an F into LGM. He was the who (seemingly) first embraced Jose Iglesias' silly record to help make it transcendent. (He was probably more accurately the first English-first guy to embrace it and therefore helped it cross over.)

The ironically amazing part of taking that role is that the fictional teenager who pulls that off (think Archie Andrews or Zach Morris or Ferris Bueller) always has a charisma completely embodied by a confident fashion sense and a great haircut, and Alonso (far more Moose than Archie) could never figure out anything to do with his hair that wasn't a complete (or near complete) disaster.

I feel you, Pete.

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[metirish]

Nice summary, goofy Pete was endearing, during his ASG HR Derby it always looked to me like the other players didn't talk to him much, like he was awkward with that... Embraced the city, did some great work with T2T foundation

[Cowtipper]

At first I wasn't too fond of him. His dumb schticks—tearing shirts off, the "rally pony"—were pretty stupid. But as he matured I grew to like him more and more. Last year's playoff heroics were for the ages. I remember his record-breaking* 53 homer rookie season. He'll be a fond memory in the long run, because he went out on a high note.

[Benjamin Grimm]

That homer in Milwaukee was one for the ages. Good guy, great Met. I'm very sorry to see him go, but I understand the reasoning behind it.

[metirish]

Pete Alonso’s wife Haley says goodbye to New York:

“Those who’ve watched him over the years know that it’s undeniable that his love for the game absolutely radiates off him. I watched almost every game, every season like most of you. But, I was also able to see everything Pete did behind the scenes that would never be talked about, written about or shared because they weren’t done in the spotlight. As his wife I can say that Pete gave you everything he had, every single day. The accolades he received for his play during his time there are nice and appreciated but I hope his legacy with New York is how deeply he cared and how much of himself he poured into this game, this team and this city. Day in and day out.

We fell in love with New York City and lived in Manhattan for 6 years. We fell in love with the fans and their passion. Sometimes glowing, sometimes… spirited 😉 but always heartfelt. We loved this team. His teammates, coaches, staff… truly everyone. We made lifelong friends over the years and I’m forever grateful for that. Just so grateful for all of it ❤️ Thank you for loving Pete.”

(via IG/haleyreneealonso)

Ugh, sucks that Pete wasn't a Met for life

[The Hot Corner]

The greatest power hitter the Mets ever produced. His competitive spirit and enthusiasm for the game will be missed. I didn't expect the Mets to go 5 years, but it sucks that they (reportedly) never made Pete an offer.