Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Pete Alonso is making history. 

2019 Home Run Derby	Monday, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
2019 MLB All-Star Game	Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. (FOX)

 

After starting the spring as a question mark to make the New York Mets' Opening Day roster, the former Gators' slugger has vaulted himself into the record books with a breakout performance through the first half of the 2019 MLB season.

Alonso, who received the nickname "Polar Bear" from the Mets' staff for his raw strength, has earned a place in the national spotlight during this week's All-Star festivities in Cleveland. The rookie will take part in both the 2019 T-Mobile Home Run Derby and the 2019 MLB All-Star Game, presented by Mastercard.
 
Alonso is the first Gators' All-Star selection since 2015, when right-hander Darren O'Day earned a spot with the Baltimore Orioles.
 
Looking at Alonso's list of accomplishments, it's easy to see why he was included:

• His 30 home runs before the All-Star break are tied for the second most in MLB history by a rookie (Mark McGwire, 33 in 1987; Aaron Judge, 30 in 2017).
• Set a new MLB rookie record with 68 RBI before the All-Star break.
• Has been named the National League Rookie of the Month twice (April and June).
• Only the second player in Mets history to hit 30 home runs before the All-Star break; just 11 homers shy of the Mets' franchise record for a full season (41, Todd Hundley in 1996 and Carlos Beltran in 2006).
• Leads all rookies in homers, RBI, extra-base hits, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, total bases, runs scored, hits, multi-hit games, doubles and walks.

 
On Sunday, June 30, Mets' manager Mickey Callaway informed Alonso that he was set to become just the fourth rookie in franchise history to earn a spot on the NL All-Star team (joining names like Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and Dwight Gooden) and the first position player to accomplish the feat.
 
"When I found out, I was speechless," Alonso told Mets.com after his All-Star selection. "Just to think I'm one of the best in the world, it's insane."
 
In addition to the All-Star Game, Alonso will participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday night. His 30 home runs rank second in Major League Baseball, one behind the Brewers' Christian Yelich.
 
Alonso, who invited cousin Derek Morgan (a former collegiate infielder) to be his pitcher, will be the No. 2 seed among eight players participating in the derby. He will face Cleveland's hometown favorite Carlos Santana in the first round.
 
The winning player in the home run derby earns a $1 million prize. Alonso has said if he wins, he will donate $100,000 to charity.
 
In three seasons at Florida, Alonso hit .316 with 23 home runs and 124 RBI. As a junior in 2016, he had a team-high .374 batting average with 14 home runs and 60 RBI. He was drafted by the Mets in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft.