In 2019, Pete Alonso, then just 24 years old, burst onto the Major League Baseball scene with a rookie season for the New York Mets that immediately etched his name into baseball history. Drafted by the Mets in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft, Alonso’s journey through the minor leagues culminated in a spring training performance in 2019 that was impossible to ignore. His exceptional hitting during spring exhibition games, boasting a .352 batting average and four home runs, forced the Mets to include him on their 2019 roster. This decision marked the beginning of one of the most celebrated rookie campaigns in recent memory, quickly making “Pete Alonso Age” a point of interest as fans marveled at his early success.
Alonso’s impact was immediate and powerful. By the All-Star break, he had already launched 30 home runs, showcasing a prodigious power that captivated audiences. He participated in the MLB All-Star Game Home Run Derby, facing off against fellow rookie sensation Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. In a thrilling contest, Alonso outslugged Guerrero, Jr., hitting 23 home runs to Guerrero’s 22, securing the Home Run Derby title. Demonstrating a maturity beyond his age, the young player pledged 5 percent of his $1 million prize to the Wounded Warrior Project and another 5 percent to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, endearing himself to fans not just for his athletic prowess but also for his character. Later in the 2019 season, Alonso further connected with New York fans by wearing cleats honoring the victims of the September 11 attacks, even providing pairs for his teammates, highlighting a deep sense of community and respect.
Pete Alonso, at a young age, quickly became a beloved figure in New York. Following the retirement of David Wright and the absence of Yoenis Cespedes, Alonso stepped up to become the offensive powerhouse the Mets desperately needed. As The New York Times noted in a June 2019 profile, Alonso filled the offensive void with both his “potent bat and boyish exuberance.” His teammates also appreciated his energetic and positive personality. Beyond his charisma, Alonso demonstrated a serious dedication to improvement, diligently recording observations about his game performance in a notebook after each game, a practice reflecting a veteran mindset despite his rookie status and young “pete alonso age.”
On September 28, 2019, near the season’s end, Alonso achieved another milestone, hitting his 53rd home run against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. This home run broke Aaron Judge’s MLB rookie record for home runs. Judge himself, speaking to The New York Times after Alonso tied the record the previous night, praised Alonso, stating, “There’s no better individual to represent not only the Mets but the city of New York… It’s just the beginning for him, and it’s the first of many records he’s going to break.”
Unsurprisingly, Alonso was overwhelmingly voted National League (NL) Rookie of the Year, receiving 29 out of 30 first-place votes. He also placed seventh in the NL Most Valuable Player Award voting, an exceptional achievement for a rookie. His 53 home runs led the league, and he also drove in 120 runs, the most for a rookie since Albert Pujols in 2001.
While Alonso hasn’t quite replicated the sheer power numbers of his historic rookie year, he has remained a consistent and impactful hitter for the Mets. Even after the shortened 2020 season, he has consistently averaged over 40 home runs per year, including 46 in 2023. Although he experienced a career-low batting average of .217 in 2023, it underscores the inherent fluctuations in baseball performance and does not diminish his overall contributions and lasting legacy that began with his remarkable rookie season at a young age. As fans continue to follow his career, “pete alonso age” remains a relevant and fascinating aspect of his ongoing journey in Major League Baseball.
