NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 26: President of Baseball Operations David Stearns of the New York Mets listens to a question from the media prior to a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citi Field on June 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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Pete Alonso’s return to Citi Field has become one of the most emotional moments of the New York Mets’ season. Mets fans made it clear that they have not forgotten the longtime first baseman who played a central role in the franchise for six seasons.
Alonso received a hero’s welcome during the Baltimore Orioles’ visit on Tuesday. The celebration carried an unmistakable message for the organization that allowed him to depart, especially after he hit the 300th home run of his career in front of his former fans.
According to the Associated Press, supporters chanted Alonso’s name until he emerged from the dugout for a curtain call. Those cheers were soon followed by chants of “Fire Stearns,” directed at Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Stearns Keeps a Low Profile for Alonso’s Return
Fans also used the occasion to voice broader frustration with Stearns. The Mets are set to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive season after the front office moved on from several veteran players, including Alonso, during the offseason. Stearns appeared to anticipate the hostile reception and stayed out of sight while his former star returned to the stadium.
“David Stearns has not been seen around the ballpark these past couple days,” Newsday Sports columnist David Lennon said Wednesday on “Foul Territory.” “I don’t blame him for that. I can see why he’s keeping a low profile.”
Alonso’s Milestone Deepens the Emotion of His Reunion
Although Stearns remained absent, Alonso made the most of his reunion with the fans who helped define his years in New York.
Alonso hit his 300th career home run Tuesday night, a ninth-inning tying shot against his former team. Coby Mayo then delivered an inside-the-park home run in the 11th inning, lifting the Orioles to a 7-5 victory at Citi Field, according to the Associated Press.
The milestone carried added significance because Alonso reached it against the organization for which he played the first six seasons of his career. He became only the third player to hit his 300th home run against a team for which he had appeared in at least 1,000 games, joining Willie Horton and Torii Hunter, the Associated Press reported.
The Mets had already honored Alonso with a tribute video and a standing ovation before the series opener. Fans continued to show their appreciation throughout the series, demonstrating that his bond with the New York fan base remains strong—even with Stearns nowhere to be found.