Pete Alonso made Mets history on Tuesday night, blasting his 253rd career home run to surpass Darryl Strawberry and become the franchise’s all-time home run leader, cementing his place among New York baseball legends.

Citi Field erupted in a mixture of awe and celebration on Tuesday night as New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso etched his name into franchise history.

In the third inning of a 13-5 rout over the Atlanta Braves, Alonso cleared the right-centerfield fence off Spencer Strider, launching his 253rd career home run and surpassing Darryl Strawberry to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.

The standing ovation that followed lasted long enough for Alonso to pause, tip his helmet, and absorb a moment that he had envisioned since joining the Mets in 2019.

The night had already been eventful for Alonso, who doubled to lead off the second inning, signaling he was locked in early. Returning to the plate with two outs in the third, he jumped on Strider’s first-pitch fastball, sending it over the wall and giving the Mets a 5-1 lead at the time.

He didn’t stop there — Alonso added a solo homer in the sixth inning, marking his sixth home run in the past ten games and helping extend New York’s lead to 11-5.

His performance was a powerful statement, not just for the team, but for a career marked by consistent growth, resilience, and timing.

“I’ve always envisioned this moment when I got to the majors,” Alonso said, reflecting on the milestone. “For me, it was about staying healthy, playing as many games as possible, and helping the team win.

To say you’re a franchise leader — that’s special. Not many get to say that.” His words highlighted both humility and determination, a combination that has propelled him from a promising young slugger into one of baseball’s premier power hitters.

Alonso, now 30, also spoke ambitiously about his long-term goals, hinting at the possibility of joining the 500-home run club. “It’s circumstantial, but if I stay healthy and perform, I can get there.

I’d like to play until I’m 40. I think if I stay healthy and continue to perform, \[500 homers] is reasonable,” he said. His comments reflected not only confidence but also a calculated awareness of the physical demands of a long baseball career.

The journey to this record has been remarkable. Strawberry, who held the previous record with 252 home runs, played for the Mets from 1983 to 1990 over 1,109 games.

Alonso achieved the record in his 965th game, illustrating the speed and consistency that have defined his time with New York.

Along the way, he also moved past David Wright, who hit 242 homers, during a two-homer performance in Colorado on June 8, solidifying his standing among the franchise’s elite.

Alonso’s path to the milestone was not without uncertainty. After the 2024 season, he entered free agency, and early signs suggested the Mets might move on.

Yet negotiations resumed in late January, and Alonso ultimately signed a two-year contract worth \$54 million, including an opt-out option after this season. This reunion allowed him the opportunity to continue building a legacy in the city where he first achieved stardom.

Tuesday night’s performance was more than just a statistical accomplishment; it was a moment that intertwined personal achievement with team celebration.

Teammates surrounded him, Brandon Nimmo dousing him in Gatorade, and fans of all ages erupted with cheers, some holding homemade signs commemorating the historic homer.

“It’s surreal to see him reach this level,” Nimmo said afterward. “Pete’s work ethic and energy lift everyone on this team. Tonight, it’s all about him, and he deserves every bit of it.”

Alonso’s rise has been defined not just by power but by a combination of intelligence, preparation, and timing.

He honed his skills from the moment he entered the major leagues in 2019, steadily accumulating accolades that include multiple All-Star selections, Silver Slugger awards, and postseason heroics.

Each home run, each game, has built toward the point where he now stands atop the Mets’ record books.

For Mets fans, the achievement evokes memories of Darryl Strawberry’s dominance in the 1980s, connecting generations of baseball history in New York.

Yet Alonso has carved his own path, representing a modern era defined by data, analytics, and physical conditioning — while maintaining the joy and flair that endears him to the crowd.

His milestone also underscores the importance of resilience, as he overcame injuries, slumps, and uncertainties about his future to reach this pinnacle.

As he stood at home plate, tipping his helmet to the fans and soaking in the applause, Alonso reflected on the journey that brought him here. “It’s special,” he said simply.

“To be able to achieve something like this in the city where I’ve played my whole career — it’s incredible.” The night at Citi Field will long be remembered not only for a record-breaking blast but for the culmination of a player’s dedication, vision, and love for the game.

Alonso’s milestone is a reminder of the impact one player can have on a franchise, the excitement a single swing can generate, and the lasting memories baseball creates for players and fans alike.

With his sights potentially set on even greater achievements, New York fans can expect that the celebrations will continue for years to come.