NY Mets Pete Alonso makes home run derby history

New York Mets slugging first basemen Pete Alonso did not disappoint as he showcased his power in the 2021 home run derby.

Winning the last home run derby in 2019 with none being held last season, Alonso was set to defend his title in a deep and talented field. With the likes of other rising stars such as two-way player Shohei Ohtani, division rival Juan Soto, slugger Joey Gallo, hometown favorite Trevor Story, and others, Pete had his work cut out for him.

Alonso did not seem to care how stacked the lineup card for the derby was, as he went on to crush his competition and make it look easy in the process.

If Alonso was not already, he has most definitely cemented himself as a Mets legend after making history in the derby.

Alonso set the record for most home runs in the first round of a derby when he clobbered 35 long balls, beating out Royals catcher Salvador Perez. To put in perspective how dominant Alonso truly was, Perez would have beat every other contender if he faced them instead of Alonso and he still lost.

After putting on an absolute show in the first round, Alonso was interviewed as Perez was hitting and was quoted saying “I am the bar, I am the standard” when asked about going first following hitting second in every round two years ago. You really have to love the confidence the man has as he is able to back it up.

He then went on to beat division rival Juan Soto in the semifinals and advance to the finals to face off against Baltimore Orioles slugger Trey Mancini.

Mancini went first and impressed with 22 home runs, but Pete was too locked in the night and edged him out for the win.

With Alonso winning the derby again, he became only one of only four players to win multiple home run derbies, and one of only three to win back-to-back derbies, joining Yoenis Cespedes and Ken Griffey Jr.

By winning the derby, Alonso is also rewarded with $1 million dollars, and the thing I find absolutely mind-boggling is that he has now made more in home run derbies than his actual playing career.

Alonso went on to have some legendary quotes throughout the night. After talking about being the bar and being the standard following his first round, his post derby interview was just as great.

He said that following his win he feels as if he is one of the best to ever do it (the home run derby). When asked about defending his title and his seeding he said he was never worried about losing. He said despite being the fifth seed as the previous champion he did not care because he was going to win anyway. One more amazing quote from him was him saying he thinks he is the best power hitter on the planet. I must say, it is hard to argue with him following the show he put on.

In addition to making home run derby history, I think Alonso had some of the best quotes we will hear from a player in a while. It is impossible to not like him, a ton of confidence while backing it up with his play, but also humble and down to earth.

With some legendary quotes, writing his name in the history books, and joining some elite company, it is safe to say this will be a memorable home run derby for the Polar Bear and Mets fans.

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What did you think of Alonso’s history home run derby performance?