Remembering Mets History (2019) Pete Alonso Sets MLB Rookie Single Season HR Record

Saturday, September 28th, 2019: On this Saturday evening, in the next to last game of the New York Mets 2019 season, Rookie slugger Pete Alonso was out to make MLB history at Citi Field.

The night before, Alonso put himself in the record books in the 1st inning with a HR off the Braves Dallas Keuchel for his 53rd HR of the season, passing Aaron Judge's former record of 52 HRs set two years earlier in 2017.

Tonight, Mickey Callaway's Mets (84-76) hosted the NL East leading Atlanta Braves (97-63) in front of a large crowd of 32,210 who were mostly there in support of Pete Alonso & hoping to see him set a new record. 

In the bottom of the 3rd inning the Mets' Todd Frazier singled to right field. Catcher Rene Rivera playing in just his ninth game of the season, hit his first HR, a two run HR giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. 

Pete Alonso then stepped in & launched his record 53rd HR over the right centerfield wall.

Pete carried the bat up the base line as he slowly walked & watched the HR officially go over the wall beyond a leaping Billy Hamilton.

The fans gave him a huge standing ovation as he leaped in the air raising his arms as he rounded the bases. while acknowledging the fans for their support. 

As Pete reached home plate, he was greeted by his team mates on his way back into the dugout. He waved his arms back again to the fans & gave a sighing laugh of relief.

The crowd cheered for him to come out of the dugout & Pete gave them the curtain call.

As he came back onto the field to play his position in the top of the 4th inning, the fans gave him a standing another ovation again that lasted what seemed like a lifetime. 

Pete took the emotions in & lost it as he broke down. Quite a night for the young rookie.

Alonso Family: Pete's mother & father were in attendance along with his fiancée Haley Walsh. They all got emotional & broke down in tears as well. His mother Michelle keeps her father, Pete's- grand Father's ashes in a locket with her.  Granpa Alonso always told Pete to keep swinging no matter what. 

Quotes- Pete Alonso: "It's surreal. It was almost like an out of body experience. Unbelievable moment. This is more than a dream. This is more than a fantasy. I can't put it into words."

The Mets went on to the 3-0 win.

Steven Matz went six shutout innings allowing just two hits with seven strike outs, although he walked five. 

Jeurys Familia, Brad Brach & Edwin Diaz all pitched scoreless innings to close it out. For Diaz it was his 26th save of the season.