The Mets wrapped up the first half of their season on Sunday with an 8-3 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies.
For New York, their playoff aspirations have all but dwindled, as they go into the All-Star break sporting a 40-50 record and sit 13.5 games out of first place in the National League East.
However, a steadfast bright spot for the Mets in 2019 has been rookie first baseman Pete Alonso, who launched his 30th home run of the year on Sunday.
“I’m living out a fantasy right now,” Alonso said post-game, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. “I’m extremely blessed, and I’m very thankful. I just want to keep showing my gratitude by working hard, and busting it innings one through nine, and giving my all every single day here.”
“I don’t know when my career could end. It could end tomorrow, or it could end 15 years from now. I don’t know when my jersey’s going to be taken away from me. I just want to capitalize on every single opportunity I have up here.”
Capping off an historic first half, Alonso smashed several records by hitting his 30th home run on Sunday, which included setting the National League rookie record with 68 RBI before the All-Star break, most extra-base hits with 53 and becoming just the fourth player in National League history with at least 30 home runs and 20 doubles before the All-Star break.
“When I got up here, I was just really thankful,” Alonso said in regards to breaking Spring Training with the club, and now becoming an All-Star. “There’s a lot of people that kind of rolled the dice to see what would happen, and I’m really thankful for that. I just want to make the most out of every single opportunity. I just want to keep getting better.”
The 24-year-old through his first 89 games has a .280/.372/.634 clip with 30 home runs and 68 RBI. Alonso will now join teammates Jeff McNeil and Jacob deGrom as they head to Cleveland for the All-Star game Wednesday.
Alonso will also participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday. His advice to win?
“Hit more home runs than the other guys.”
