Pete Alonso's Showmanship and Aura Stole The HR Derby Show

by Tim Reilly July 13, 2021

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:

"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
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 13, 2021

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

When, not if, Pete gets to the postseason, his star is destined to shine brightest. Pete can sense it, the fans can sense it, and opposing teams will fear it. No one wants to see Pete Alonso in the batter's box in a big spot.

#PeteAlonso just enjoying a moment before the finals. #LGM pic.twitter.com/ccTgU540pT
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 13, 2021

Back-to-back home run derby's championships are just the beginning for Pete. These won't be his last Derby victories, and they won't go down as his career-defining moments, either. These will be highlight reel footage for Pete Alonso Day at Citi Field a long, long time from now.

You're a hell of a showman, Pete. Get some rest. Drink plenty of liquids (the adult kind tonight). And get ready to tear the cover off the ball all the way through October.

We've been waiting to see who the locker room leader would become since David Wright's absence. If you ask me, Alonso has all the intangibles I want leading my team...

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