NEW YORK -- Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso, the man affectionately known as the Polar Bear, was back at Citi Field on Monday night. It’s the place he called home for seven years while playing for the New York Mets before signing a five-year, $155 million free-agent deal with Baltimore in December. 

Ironically, Alonso played in his 500th game at Citi Field – only second behind Brandon Nimmo (527) – and went 0-for-3 with a walk in a 2-1 victory over New York. 

“I lived a lot of life in New York. It’s exciting to be back. It’s really good to see all the guys and people over on the other side,” Alonso told reporters.  “…I still know a ton of people on the other side like coaches, players, cooks, you name it. It’s good to say hello to all those faces.”  

The cheers for Alonso started at 5:18 p.m. ET, when he came out of the dugout for batting practice. Ninety minutes later, the fans gave him more love after his name was announced in Baltimore's starting lineup. Alonso would receive nice ovations during a video tribute put together by the Mets and at each at-bat.

The hometown also crowd voiced their displeasure with David Stearns, New York’s president of baseball operations, for letting Alonso walk away. Since Alonso’s departure, the Mets have used eight first basemen, with Jared Young getting the bulk of the playing time. 

“I take it that (the fans) appreciated what I brought to the field,” Alonso said. “I take pride in giving everything I had every single night. They are showing their appreciation for all the years of effort and performance.”    

And why not?  

Alonso is the Mets’ all-time home run leader, hitting 264 career home runs. He also earned five All-Star selections in his seven full seasons with the team. According to the MLB research department, his 14.7 AB/HR at Citi Field trails only Juan Soto (12.3) in the park’s history (min. 250 AB). Alonso said his best moment as a Met was hitting the game-clinching homer against then-Brewers closer Devin Williams to win the National League Wild Card Series on Oct. 3, 2024.  

“Honestly, that ‘24 season was my favorite,” Alonso acknowledged. 

Alonso didn’t express any bitterness toward the Mets. Before the game, in fact, he shared a few words with Mets owner Steve Cohen.

“Steve is great. He made a good impact for the organization. He came up and said, ‘Hello,’” Alonso pointed out.           

The moment the free-agent period began during the winter of 2025, the Orioles’ front office started a dialogue with Alonso and it made Baltimore the front-runner to acquire his services. The Mets didn’t show much interest in re-signing Alonso. Instead, they signed free agent Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million deal. He only played two games at first base because of injuries.   

“(The Orioles) have a lot of young talent,” Alonso said. “Seeing all the amazing things the organization had to offer, I really didn’t want to mess up a good thing. I respect (the Mets’) decision. 

“The guys running the (Mets), it’s their prerogative to do their best to do whatever they can, whatever they think is best. For me, I respect it professionally. I’m so stoked to be an Oriole and be a part of this organization. I’m happy, my family is happy, teammates are incredible and the staff is incredible.”

Alonso is having a typical Alonso season, slashing .268/.363/.496 with 35 homers and 100 RBI.

“I want to do whatever I can to help this team win games,” he said. “I want to be myself and justify them bringing me along and contributing to the team. It feels good. I want to help continue that for years to come.”      

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.