Mets send 1B Pete Alonso to the All-Star Game, snapping 32-year drought

The New York Mets are sending three players to the All-Star Game, including first baseman Pete Alonso. In doing so, they snap a 32-year drought.

Hey now, the New York Mets are sending three men to this year’s All-Star Game. Pitcher Jacob deGrom will return there for the second straight season. He’ll be joined by utility man Jeff McNeil and first baseman Pete Alonso. What makes Alonso’ trip to the Midsummer Classic is that it’s the first time since 1987 featuring a Mets first baseman.

Unbelievably, Keith Hernandez is the last Mets first baseman to make the trip to the All-Star Game. The 32-year drought was the longest in franchise history for any single position.

Coming off a World Series championship, Hernandez went 1 for 2 in the game. It was his final All-Star appearance. Ever since, the Mets have had difficulty getting a first baseman back into the event. The few productive seasons from John Olerud went unnoticed when it came to All-Star selections. Big, powerful seasons from Carlos Delgado were not enough when compared to others at the position in the National League.

Alonso was one of eight players selected by MLB. deGrom and McNeil, meanwhile, earned their trip via player vote.

Heading into the results, I was beginning to believe we would see only McNeil represent the Mets. His versatility, while a deterrent in some ways, also could aid him in getting there. Because he’s not locked into one singular position, there’s more of a reason to carry him. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s in the batting title race.

Alonso kicks off the festivities with an appearance in the Home Run Derby on July 11th. The rookie slugger is one of the purest home run hitters in the contest. On this particular night, I expect him to ravage plenty of baseballs and make a name for himself. I fully believe by Tuesday there will be non-Mets fans talking about how great “that Alfonzo kid is.”

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For the first time since 2016, the Mets will have three men in the All-Star Game. Well, as close to men as possible. Some could believe deGrom truly is a cyborg based on his pitching. As for Alonso and McNeil, Mets fans know one is just a big cuddly teddy bear with a heavy bat and the other is a can-do-anything flying squirrel.