Historic Night at Citi Field: Alonso Tops Darryl Strawberry
Pete Alonso Home Run Record etched his name into New York Mets history on August 12, 2025, by launching his 253rd career home run, surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s 37-year-old franchise record of 252 homers.
The milestone shot—a two-run bomb off Braves pitcher Spencer Strider—arrived in the third inning, electrifying Citi Field and triggering an outpouring of celebration both on the field and in the stands.
Not content to stop there, Alonso followed up with another homer in the sixth inning—a solo shot—for career home run No. 254.
Rousing Response: Fans, Teammates, and Strawberry Himself React
As the record-breaking ball landed, Citi Field erupted. A jumbotron graphic flashed the glowing “253” alongside polar bear imagery—celebrating Alonso’s “Polar Bear” nickname—while fans chanted his name.
Alonso tipped his cap to the crowd and embraced longtime teammates Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. Manager Carlos Mendoza and the team swarmed the field to celebrate. Even Darryl Strawberry sent a touching video tribute congratulating his successor.
Alonso humbly stated that the true weight of the achievement might only settle in during the offseason, saying:
“As a kid, you don’t dream of being a franchise home run leader… but it’s really special now that I am.”
Power Display: Mets Roll with Offense to Halt Losing Streak
Alonso Home Run Record heroics fueled a dominant 13–5 victory over the Atlanta Braves, ending the Mets’ seven-game skid.
The offense shined:
- Francisco Alvarez homered twice
- Brandon Nimmo hit a tiebreaking three-run shot in the fourth
- Brett Baty went deep as well
The Mets clobbered six home runs in total, all with two outs—tying a franchise-era game record.
Alonso’s Road to the Record: Consistency, Durability, Loyalty
Since debuting in 2019, Alonso Home Run Record has been a cornerstone of the Mets:
- Rookie record: 53 homers in 2019
- At least 34 homers every full season except 2020 (pandemic-shortened)
- Entered 2025 with 226 career homers
In February 2025, he re-signed with the Mets on a two-year, $54 million deal with an opt-out after this season, giving him the platform to chase and now claim the record.
He achieved the milestone in just 965 games—141 fewer than Strawberry—and currently holds the Mets’ record for consecutive games played (372 and counting).
Legacy and Future in Orange & Blue
With the record broken, focus turns to Alonso’s future. He is expected to opt out and test free agency, putting the Mets on the clock to keep their homegrown star.
Despite concerns over age and positional limitations, Alonso’s statistical and cultural impact makes him vital to the organization.
He has expressed his desire to play into his forties and remain a Met. Whether that happens will depend on owner Steve Cohen and president David Stearns.
Summary
- Event: Pete Alonso breaks Mets home run record (253rd), follows with 254th
- Context: Mets end skid with 13–5 win over Braves; Alonso Home Run Record homers twice
- Legacy: Surpasses Darryl Strawberry in fewer games; record-setting durability
- Outlook: Upcoming free agency, potential long-term commitment
Pete Alonso’s record-setting night was more than a personal milestone—it reignited the Mets’ season, captured the hearts of fans, and set the tone for what could become a historic legacy in Queens.
