It's Pete Alonso's world, and every other puny power hitter is just living in it! Holy S--- did Alonso put on a show Monday night. While the entire baseball world was tuned in to watch Shohei Ohtani, they ended up watching and admiring Alonso hit bomb after bomb after bomb.
Pete was born for this. #HRDerby #MakeItMajor pic.twitter.com/R9uBCvYdDt
— MLB (@MLB) July 13, 2021
Look, there's no need to break down Pete's Derby performance. Everyone already understands how impressive it is to hit 500-foot home runs a thousand times in a night. To me, the takeaway was Pete's presence. The dude has an aura about him now. When he steps up to the plate, you just feel like something special is going to happen.
His confidence (not to be confused with cockiness) is contagious. Did anyone feel for even a moment last night Pete was going to lose? I'm not talking about just Mets fans. But literally anyone. His demeanor was infectious to those cheering him on. I found myself having a blast watching Pete at the plate while keeping myself relaxed and focused when he wasn't.
"There was no point where I thought I was gonna lose, ever." - Pete Alonso on going into the 2021 Home Run Derby pic.twitter.com/3oY8yaeM6W
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 13, 2021
Pete considers himself a "part-time" New Yorker and went with a playlist that consisted entirely of New York artists. The Big Apple vibes were riding high all night. Pete looked like a bobblehead out there. I've got news for you, Pete, you're a New Yorker. Greatness can always call New York home.
Pete Alonso talks about having Nas, Mobb Deep & The Notorious B.I.G. for his Home Run Derby playlist, and why he felt that was important:
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 13, 2021
"I feel like I'm a part-time New Yorker...for me New York has treated me so well. I love the city and I love playing for the Mets" pic.twitter.com/fWLq54d2eC
We witnessed greatness last night. Sure, it was just a home run derby. I get any counterpoint you want to make. But this is only the beginning for Pete. He has a flair for dramatics. Think about when he broke Judge's rookie home run record. Think about when he took Chapman yard just a week ago. Think about the '19 Derby. Pete was born for the bright lights and the big moment.
“I am the bar. I am the standard.” - Pete Alonso pic.twitter.com/O18UU3hpbs
— Tim Reilly (@LifeOfTimReilly) July 13, 2021
#PeteAlonso just enjoying a moment before the finals. #LGM pic.twitter.com/ccTgU540pT
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 13, 2021
LFGM!
PUT IT IN THE BOOKS! Back to back! Re-Pete! Congrats to Pete Alonso. Your 2021 Home Run Derby champ. Like there was even a doubt.
— The 7 Line (@The7Line) July 13, 2021
We're extremely saddened to hear that Rizky "Riz" Ridwan has passed. Riz was always a friendly face in the crowd and started cheering with The 7 Line Army a decade ago during the 2014 season. He hit San Francisco with us that year along with some games at Citi Field.
Tim Reilly
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