The stage was set, and Citi Field was buzzing. And why not? Their $765 million star was making his debut in their home field, and in New York Mets uniform. Fans showed up early, all decked out in their jerseys, ready to welcome their star, Juan Soto. Except when the lights came on and the action started—someone else stole the spotlight from Juan Soto. It was Pete Alonso.

At the bottom of the first, the franchise favorite stepped into the box against Kevin Gausman. And almost in a nonchalant manner, Alonso swatted a fastball. And that ball took off like it was shot right out of a cannon. It landed in the right field, and with that, it was Alonso’s third homer in four games.

Citi Field simply lost its mind! But while the fans roared Alonso’s name, not everyone was convinced by the 377 feet hit. At least not Mets play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen.

Gary Cohen, sitting in his booth, was stunned. But mostly he was suspicious of Pete Alonso’s home run. Cohen said, “You have to be awfully strong to do that. But that was a shocking home run.” But he didn’t just stop there—he kept on asking questions about what went on. “The ball has really been carrying in the early season. It certainly makes you consider what might be going on—whether the baseball might be a little bit more jumpy than it was last year.” Plus, he was not saying it without reason. Just days before, Miami’s Otto Lopez had crushed a home run off the facade of the second deck at LoanDepot Park.

And Cohen simply finds these alarming and more so unusual, as he has seen a few of them this week. And he isn’t the only one to think as such. This is because Alonso’s and Lopez’s cases are not sole cases. The New York Yankees were on fire, gathering 15 home runs in just three games. The reason? Torpedo bats! These odd-shaped bats have raised eyebrows because the kind of stat line the Yankees put up was phenomenal. More and more players have ordered it, and many have liked it. Despite not utilizing the new bat, Alonso’s performance remains impressive. Well, it’s Alonso’s third home run—surely it’s not luck by chance.

And as far as Alonso goes, he was more than thrilled with his game.

Pete Alonso on his fairytale return and warm welcome

Pete Alonso had a pretty rough off-season. The negotiations with the New York Mets stalled for a while, and his return seemed grim. Cohen himself admitted that Pete Alonso’s contract was more complicated than Juan Soto’s. Given Soto’s was a $765 million deal, it was quite telling. But finally, Alonso returned, and on Friday night, he showed everyone what fans had begged for his return in the off-season.

The 377 feet hit by Polar Bear sent the crowd in a flurry of hugs and high fives. Fans simply jumped, and screamed. Alonso heard and he acknowledged the love by tipping his cap. After the game, he said, “It was sick. I mean, just, that type of stuff is what you dream about as a kid. And to have that type of support being reciprocated, I mean, it’s really special for sure, and I enjoyed every second of it.” And it wasn’t just fans who were impressed; his teammates and even manager were impressed.

Manager Carlos Mendoza, who saw the entire moment unfold, said it was “pretty cool.” He said, “He means a lot to the fans. And then for him to go out there, first at-bat, and go the other way… that’s a pretty cool feeling for him and for all of us.” But for Brandon Nimmo, it was more relief than anything. He admitted that things did get sticky in the off-season, and they were worried. But he is glad that they don’t have to think about it anymore.

And for Alonso, this day was just so special. He said it was very storybook-like and how much he loves Citi Field. “Love it here, love playing at Citi, love being in New York. And it checks all those boxes for me. And for me, it’s the best option and it’s just such an easy decision to come back.” For the Mets fans, it is surely going to be an unforgettable chapter.

What did you think about Alonso’s firm and game? Do you agree with Cohen? Let us know!