Now, the New York Mets have a Rookie of the Year all of their own. Indeed, first baseman Pete Alonso takes home the award for 2019 after a record-setting rookie campaign. Obviously, this should have not have come as a surprise to many.
After slugging a baseball record 53 home runs, the 24-year old was almost a unanimous selection. Notably, of the award’s 30 voters, Alonso collected 29 first-place votes.
Upon being announced, Alonso was his usual likable self.
“To just win the award, doesn’t matter if it’s unanimous or not,” Alonso said on Monday night. “It’s still such a blessing.”
The New York Mets official twitter account posted his reaction, which is always priceless to watch.
Wait for it…It’s official. @Pete_Alonso20 is your 2019 #NLROY! pic.twitter.com/0TiejJMl2Q
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 11, 2019
Then, Alonso took to his own twitter account. This time, it was to thank Mets fans for their support all season long.
TO: #Mets Fans
FROM: @Pete_Alonso20 pic.twitter.com/ywojCHQHJQ
— New York Mets (@Mets) November 12, 2019
Furthermore, his 53 home runs broke Aaron Judge’s rookie record of 52 set in 2017. Equally important in all of this is Alonso is now the sixth Rookie of the Year in New York Mets history.
Finishing second was Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka, with third place going to Fernando Tatis of the San Diego Padres.
Finally – thanks to MLB’s official YouTube channel – we have all of Alonso’s 53 home runs in one video. Seriously, check out some of the bombs this guy hit as a rookie.
How many career home runs do you think Pete Alonso will end up with? Certainly, he looks like a guy who could surpass 300 or even 400 career home runs. Whether or not he does that is anyone’s guess, but in a pitcher’s park like Citi Field; he displayed no problem with driving himself in during the 2019 season.
Undeniably, he’s one of the players in the sport you can’t wait to see a follow-up act from in 2020.
