Last week, New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso became the second player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs in their rookie season. And on Saturday night, Alonso became the first rookie to ever hit 53 home runs in a season.
In the third inning of New York’s game against the Atlanta Braves, Alonso sent a Mike Foltynewicz pitch over the right-center field wall for dinger No. 53 on the season, passing Aaron Judge’s record of 52 (set in 2017).
The most homers EVER by a rookie.
Take it all in, @Pete_Alonso20. pic.twitter.com/mfVA5UESx9
— MLB (@MLB) September 29, 2019
What a season for @Pete_Alonso20. 👏 pic.twitter.com/qbz3a9aMK6
— MLB (@MLB) September 29, 2019
Pete Alonso feeling all the emotions after breaking the record pic.twitter.com/qPMGzavSk9
— SNY (@SNYtv) September 29, 2019
And this is an incredible achievement for any hitter, not just a rookie. Alonso is one of only nine players to ever hit 53 homers in a season in National League history.
Don't overlook how rare it is for a player — any player, not just a rookie — to hit 53 home runs. Only nine men have done it in National League history:
-Pete Alonso
-Barry Bonds
-Luis Gonzalez
-Ryan Howard
-Ralph Kiner
-Mark McGwire
-Sammy Sosa
-Giancarlo Stanton
-Hack Wilson— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 29, 2019
It’s been a ridiculous rookie season for Alonso, who also put his power skills on full display for the world to see during this year’s Home Run Derby.
Pete Alonso's season:
* won the first base job
* became an All-Star
* won the Home Run Derby
* said "the boys are hot"
* set the Mets' single-season homer record
* organized a 9/11 tribute
* set the major-league rookie homer record
* is the no-doubt NL Rookie of the Year— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 29, 2019
The Mets have been the subject of many, many (deserved) jokes in recent years, but they really do have something special and exciting with Alonso going forward.
