NEW YORK -- As the sold-out crowd at Citi Field rose to its feet before Pete Alonso's first at-bat on Sunday night, home-plate umpire John Lipka waited for the Mets first baseman to make his move.
"Hey are you gonna do something?" Lipka asked Alonso, who was honed in on his approach against the Phillies' Zack Wheeler.
"Are you gonna tip your cap or something? I can give you time right here."
It gave Alonso an opportunity to soak in the moment.
As Alonso played what could be his final home game at Citi Field as a member of the Mets, the crowd brought noise and adoration for the homegrown All-Star. The 29-year-old Alonso, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, received a standing ovation with every at-bat.
And before his first plate appearance, Alonso doffed his batting helmet to the fans, who have been with him for every step of his six-year major-league career, including 226 home runs and four All-Star selections.
"It was really special. It's right out of a storybook for me," Alonso said. "That was truly remarkable to be able to see and feel that reaction from a packed house like that. It's something you kind of hear about or read about or kind of see in movies, but for me, that was really special."
Alonso was serenaded with chants of "Peeeete" and "Pete A-lon-so!" throughout the night. The signs dotted the crowd, from "Polar Bear Please Stay" to "We ♥ Pete."
The support was felt by Alonso, his teammates and coaches during the Mets' final regular-season home game. Alonso finished 0-for-4 with three strikeouts but also robbed Bryson Stott of a hit with a slick diving stop to his right for the final out of the sixth inning.
"Pretty incredible. That's what it's all about," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said of the response. "That's what makes this city such a special city and our fan base, the Mets fans. I got goosebumps when that happened."
In the last week, Mendoza has consistently said he believes Sunday won't be the Mets' final home game of the 2024 season. With a 2-1 win over the Phillies, the Mets moved into the National League's No. 2 wild-card spot, tied with the Diamondbacks and remained two games ahead of the Braves, who are the first team out.
The team is confident heading into the final week, which includes three-game road series against the Braves and Brewers. And for now, Alonso is not focused on what could be his last few games in a Mets uniform. He's set on leading the Mets to the postseason.
"We've really built ourselves a wonderful opportunity, and it's an honor to play with this team, play with these boys, and play for this franchise," Alonso said before the game. "It's sick putting on the orange and blue every day. And I love it. I'm excited.
"We're playing meaningful baseball. This is what all offseason we've wanted to do. This is what we've prepared for all year and now it's here. And now we got to go do it."
Sunday might not be the last time Alonso steps on the Citi Field grass as a member of the Mets, but their fans made one loud pitch for the first baseman to return if it turns out that it is.
Alonso's Future is Uncertain
Alonso has been a fan favorite since his rookie season in 2019 when he hit an MLB-record 53 home runs and won the NL Rookie of the Year award. He’s a four-time All-Star and has been one of the Mets’ most consistent hitters since joining the team in 2019. He has a one-year, $20.5 million contract and can become a free agent after the World Series. His agent, Scott Boras, is known for testing the market, so there is a good chance that Alonso will be playing for a different team next season.
But it’s also possible that Alonso returns to the Mets, and the fans made their feelings clear on Sunday night. After every at-bat, they chanted his name, and after the game, they chanted "We want Pete!" It’s clear that the fans want Alonso back, and it’s also clear that he wants to stay in New York.
"I’m not thinking about free agency," Alonso said after the game. "I’m concentrating on winning my first World Series title."
Mets Need Alonso to Reach the Postseason
The Mets are in the midst of a tight race for a wild-card spot, and they need Alonso to be at his best to make the playoffs. Alonso is hitting .244 with 31 homers and 86 RBIs, and he has been a clutch hitter for the Mets this season. He’s been asked to take on an even bigger role since star shortstop Francisco Lindor went out with a lower-back injury.
The Mets have to hold off the Atlanta Braves, who are on their heels, and the Phillies, who are hoping to steal the final spot.
The Mets have been on a tear since the end of May, and the team believes they have a legitimate shot at winning the World Series. If Alonso can lead the team to a deep playoff run, it will go a long way in convincing the Mets to re-sign him. The team is already in a strong position, with the best record in baseball since the end of May.
A City That Loves Their Polar Bear
If Sunday was Alonso’s last game at Citi Field, it was a fitting sendoff from the Mets faithful. They showed their appreciation for the slugger and his commitment to the team. The team has been called “resilient” this season for their performance and the fans are hoping that the team can make it to the playoffs and give Alonso a chance to celebrate his success with the fans. If it’s the last time Alonso stepped onto the field at Citi Field, then he will be remembered as one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
It’s uncertain what the future holds for Alonso, but it’s clear that he has a special bond with the Mets fans and they are hoping that it will continue for many years to come.
The End of an Era?
This could be the end of an era for the Mets, as their current roster has seen a lot of change in recent years. But the team is looking to make a deep playoff run, and Alonso is a key part of their plans. The fans are looking forward to more moments like Sunday night, where Alonso stepped up to the plate and received a standing ovation from the crowd. It’s a testament to the kind of player he is, and it’s a moment that he will never forget.
