The New York Mets have been in a sorry state most of the season. With an underperforming roster despite their extremely lucrative contracts, Mets fans are not happy. But a player became the villain in the whole MLB world for a bad mistake. Pete Alonso, who has been on a rollercoaster of a season, accidentally threw Cardinals rookie Masyn Winn’s first MLB hit ball into the stands. And St. Louis was furious.
Alonso realized his mistake after Winn’s teammates apprised him of the situation and he apologized profusely. Even to the media, his comments seemed like it had been a genuine mistake because he hadn’t known. Alonso frequently throws balls to fans when they get changed, so it was no big deal to him. But after this incident, he stopped with his admittedly generous activity. Now, he’s throwing gloves.
Pete Alonso Makes a Fan’s Day With His Batting Gloves
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It’s the highlight of going to a baseball game and receiving a memento in return from a player. Be it an autograph or a player’s personal item, fans cherish it. The Masyn Winn incident ended all right when Alonso apologized and Cardinals security retrieved the ball from the fan. But it still put off Alonso from taking any such action in the future. But that doesn’t mean he’s given up on fans entirely. Mets beat writer Tim Healey recently posted a heartwarming incident involving the first baseman and a young fan.
A kid behind the Mets' dugout at Target Field asked Pete Alonso for an autograph after batting practice. Alonso, noting that he was in a hurry, tossed him his batting gloves instead. That left the kid literally speechless.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 8, 2023
Although 2023 has not been Alonso’s year, he’s doing his best with the struggling New York team. His recent streak of home runs has been impressive as he became only the fifth player in MLB History to have 40 home runs in three years through five career seasons.
#40 FOR PETE ALONSO 🐻❄️ pic.twitter.com/8OlV6seBK9
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 3, 2023
And it seems like fans still adore him; even Alonso’s teammates are in awe.
New York Mets Amazed By Alonso’s Progress
Alonso has been with the Mets for the entirety of his five-year career in the Majors and many expect he will only get better. The 28-year-old is still in his prime and is often compared to New York’s other powerhouse, Aaron Judge. In the meanwhile, his recent home run feat had his teammates cheering for the first baseman.
“The sky’s the limit,” said Francisco Lindor. “I don’t think he has had his best year yet. I didn’t see the rookie season where he hit [53 home runs in 2019] but I think Pete could hit .300 and still hit 40 home runs in a year.”
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Even Buck Showalter has immense respect for his players. “He takes advantage of the anxiety that he creates in pitchers. They would kid him in the dugout [calling him] ‘the table-setter with the walks and a single here or there…To do things when everybody’s expecting you to do it, it’s one my great [sources of] respect.”
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It’s only 2023. While this season has been a washout, if Steve Cohen is to be believed, he has great things in plan for the future. Let’s see what direction Pete Alonso goes, and how far high up.
WATCH THIS STORY – New York Mets Star Pete Alonso Forced to Leave Mid-Match After Taking Nasty Hit in the Face