Mets first baseman Pete Alonso appeared in his third straight and fourth overall All-Star Game on Tuesday night. Although he didn’t start or get a hit, the Mets slugger was still very appreciative of the experience.
“They are all really special but they are all different,” Alonso told SNY’s Michelle Margaux after the game. “Every single one is just a blessing.”
Alonso came in as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning of the American League’s 5-3 win, but he did get a turn at the plate to start the ninth inning. Facing off against Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, Alonso fouled back a few 100 mph fastballs before ultimately striking out on a 93 mph slider.
In his four All-Star game appearances, Alonso is now 1-for-5, with his only hit coming in 2019.
However, with the Midsummer Classic in the rearview, the 29-year-old is looking forward to the start of the second half, and the Mets are too.
Winners of seven of their last 10 games, the Mets (49-46) have sole possession of the third and final Wild Card spot. The team is playing well and Alonso wants to help them make it back to the postseason.
“I just want to continue to help the team win any way I can,” Alonso said. “Whether that means offensively, on the basepaths, defensively or just bringing good energy. I just want to do everything I can to help this team win.
“I know we have a playoff spot right now but there’s a lot of work to be done. I’m really excited for the challenge at hand.”
The Mets hold a slim one-game lead over the Diamondbacks and the Padres, but the Pirates, Reds, Giants and Cubs are all lurking in a crowded National League.
It’ll be a fun few months for Alonso and the Mets, but there’s another storyline to consider for the first baseman. This could be Alonso’s final second half with the Mets as he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
Alonso was asked if that fact had dawned on him yet.
“That hasn’t crossed my mind at all,” Alonso said. “I still think of New York as home. For me, I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win. I love this group, this organization and the city, it’s really near and dear to my heart. I love everything about it and I’m just focused on winning games.”
Alonso and the Mets will restart the season on Friday when they travel to Miami to take on the Marlins for four games.