Three Mets fans turned a historic night at Citi Field into an unforgettable personal moment after catching Pete Alonso’s 300th career home run ball and meeting the former New York slugger following the game.
Alonso launched a Kodai Senga offering an estimated 413 feet into the second deck in left field, tying the game with one out in the ninth inning. The Orioles ultimately prevailed, 7-5, in 11 innings Tuesday night.
The milestone shot drew a thunderous response from the Citi Field crowd, followed by a curtain call for Alonso. Fans also broke into “Fire Stearns!” chants aimed at Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, who did not make a stronger push to retain the popular homegrown first baseman during the offseason.
For the three fans who came away with the landmark baseball, the reward went far beyond the souvenir. They shared time with the Polar Bear, received beers and signed memorabilia, and were invited to visit him at Camden Yards.
In video shared by SNY, Alonso thanked the fans after getting the ball back and asked them where the homer had landed.
“You guys want bats?” Alonso asked as he offered to sign anything the fans wanted.
He then signed the jerseys they were wearing, adding a “300 homer game” inscription to commemorate the achievement.
The five-time All-Star, who played seven years with the Mets, appeared to autograph balls for them and was then shown coming out of the visitors’ clubhouse with bats that he would also sign.
“Offices, man cave, mantles, bedrooms,” the Mets’ all-time home run leader said. “Do you want me to write anything on it, inscribe it in any sort of way? I can write whatever you want. Don’t be bashful.”
Alonso, who signed with the Orioles on a five-year, $155 million contract in the offseason, also brought the three fans cold Miller Lites and took a photo with them.
“Any time you guys want to come to Camden [Yards], VIP tickets,” Alonso said. “You guys want tickets, VIP passes, the whole nine yards, on me, thank you.”
The 31-year-old has 36 homers and 101 RBIs while playing every game this season, as his Mets replacement, Jorge Polanco, hit .148 in just 37 games due to injuries.
The win helped Baltimore move within three games of the final American League wild-card spot, while the Mets have already been eliminated from postseason contention.