Pete Alonso Aims for History in Fifth Home Run Derby

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso will participate in his fifth consecutive Home Run Derby, seeking a record-tying third title.

Pete Alonso, the formidable first baseman of the New York Mets, has announced his participation in the upcoming Home Run Derby, marking his fifth straight appearance in the prestigious event. Alonso's pursuit of history is palpable as he aims to become just the second player to win the derby three times.

The Home Run Derby, a fan-favorite spectacle in Major League Baseball, will take place on July 15 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Alonso, a two-time champion in 2019 and 2021, will be joined by Baltimore Orioles' rising star Gunnar Henderson and Philadelphia Phillies' Alec Bohm.

Alonso's aspirations to join the elite ranks of three-time derby champions are fueled by his exceptional power-hitting abilities. In his first derby appearance as a rookie in 2019, he stunned the baseball world by defeating Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 23-22 in a thrilling final round. Two years later, he repeated his triumph at Denver's Coors Field, once again beating Baltimore's Trey Mancini by the same score.

However, Alonso's dominance was halted in 2022, where he was eliminated by Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodríguez in the semifinals at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Juan Soto, then of the Washington Nationals, emerged victorious that year. Last year, at Seattle's T-Mobile Park, Alonso's quest for a hat-trick of derby titles ended prematurely as he fell to Rodríguez again, this time by a margin of 41-21. The title ultimately went to Guerrero Jr., who joined his father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr. (2007), as the first father-son duo to win the derby.

Despite these setbacks, Alonso remains determined to cement his legacy as one of the greatest derby performers. His relentless pursuit of a record-tying third title is a testament to his unwavering confidence and the unwavering support of the Mets fanbase.

The upcoming Home Run Derby promises to be a thrilling showcase of baseball's most prolific hitters. Alonso's participation adds an extra layer of anticipation as he sets his sights on etching his name into the annals of derby history. As the first baseman prepares for the challenge, the baseball world eagerly awaits the next chapter in his pursuit of greatness.