Pete Alonso entered the Mets' history books again Tuesday.
The 24-year-old rookie first baseman set the franchise's single-season home run record when he blasted his 42nd long-ball of the year in the fourth inning against the Cubs at Citi Field. Alonso reflected on the milestone after the game, which the Mets dropped, 5-2.
"When I found out I made the team, I just wanted to make the biggest impact as possible because I wanted to stay up here," Alonso told reporters. "I didn't want to do the whole up-and-down situation. I just wanted to be a focal point and stay up here. Because, this is the end-all, be-all for me. This is something I've put a lot of work into, made a lot of sacrifices.
"It's not just me. This is the ultimate for every single baseball player. It's just been an absolute dream come true. ... It's reassuring that everything has paid off."
"58 years of Mets baseball, and no one has ever hit more home runs in a season as a New York Met."
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 28, 2019
Congrats to your new Mets home run king, @Pete_Alonso20. pic.twitter.com/jx6G45pSvK
Alonso has become a fan favorite and received a curtain call after his home run.
"The appreciation I have for these Mets fans, the support I've gotten, the love I've gotten, it's just been surreal," Alonso said. "The way that they've embraced me since Day 1 has been extremely special. I just want to reciprocate that. I want to recognize their support. They've been unbelievable and they've treated me so well. ... I'm just extremely thankful."
Pete has love for all the Mets fans 🤟 pic.twitter.com/XpxfAGKCRH
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 28, 2019
Alonso's homer moved him past Todd Hundley and Carlos Beltran, who were tied for the previous record at 41.
"It's a pleasure to have a fine young player like Pete Alonso break my record," Beltran said in a statement. "I have not met Pete personally but people have told me he plays the game with passion and doesn't give up on any at-bat. He has had great success in his first year."
Alonso is the first rookie to hold his team's single-season home run record since 1938, according to ESPN Stats and Info.
Pete Alonso claimed the Mets single-season HR record today with his 42nd HR of the season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 28, 2019
Alonso is the first rookie to set a franchise HR record in a season since Johnny Rizzo in 1938. @Mets pic.twitter.com/7YbZoMVBIS
The Mets fell to 67-64 and trail the Cubs by three games for the second National League wild-card spot.