Mets’ Pete Alonso hits 40 home runs in three of his five MLB seasons

The New York Mets’ slugger Pete Alonso hit his 40th and 41st home runs this season on Sunday’s home game against the Seattle Mariners at Citi Field in New York City. Not only did he help his side secure a 6-3 win, but also became a new member of a very exclusive club.

The two-run homer Alonso blew during the third inning made him the fifth player in the Major League Baseball (MLB) history with at least three 40-home-run seasons of his first five campaigns. The previous four players who did it were Ralph Kiner (four times), Eddie Mathews, Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols.

“Kind of mind-baffling,” Alonso said. “Impressive names. I had no idea. It seems like yesterday I was in my rookie season. This is my fifth year, and time flies. It means a lot. This place has been extremely special to me. New York’s treated me so incredibly well.”

The Mets led by 5-3 after six innings. Then Alonso hit a single home run during the seventh inning, sealing the deal for the team. It also marked his 100th run batted in (RBI) this season, making him the fourth player in major league history with at least three 100-RBI seasons after David Wright (five times), Carlos Beltran and Darryl Strawberry.

“Through thick and thin, we know one thing: Pete’s going to walk through that door the same guy every day,” the Mets’ manager Buck Showalter said. “Pleasure to be around. He never has a bad day. He cares about his teammates, cares about the Mets. And to see guys like him have success, it makes it even more enjoyable.”

Having lost two of their three games at Citi Field, the Mariners lost their first series since the one against the Baltimore Orioles between August 11 and 13. They won a franchise record 21 games in August and still lead the American League (AL) West with a 77-59 record despite Sunday’s loss.

“We just had a historic month for the organization, and we had maybe a little setback here,” the Mainers’ Mike Ford said. “But we can get right back on it.”