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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Baltimore Orioles slugger Pete Alonso’s return to Citi Field has quickly become one of the more emotional moments of the New York Mets’ season, with fans making it clear they have not forgotten the longtime first baseman who helped define the franchise for years.
Alonso received a hero’s welcome from Mets fans while visiting during the ongoing series on Tuesday, but the celebration also came with a message for the organization that allowed him to leave after he slugged the 300th homer of his career in front of his old team’s fans.
“Fans chanted his name until Alonso emerged from the dugout for a curtain call,” the Associated Press reported. “Then chants of ‘Fire Stearns’ began, aimed at Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.”
New York Mets Boss David Stearns Makes Citi Field Decision Before Pete Alonso Reunion
Fans were venting some frustration with Stearns’ performance overall, as the Mets are set to miss the playoffs for the second straight season after the front office cut ties with numerous veteran stars, including Alonso, in the offseason. And it appears that Stearns was prepared for that hostility, as he had made a notable change as his team welcomed Alons back to the stadium.
“David Stearns has not been seen around the ballpark these past couple days,” Newsday Sports columnist David Lennon reported on “Foul Territory” on Wednesday. “I don’t blame him for that. I can see why he’s keeping a low profile.”
New York Mets Fans Send David Stearns Message Amid Pete Alonso Heroics
While Stearns made himself scarce with Alonso back in town, his former franchise slugger made the most of the reunion with his old fans.
“Alonso launched his 300th career homer Tuesday night, a tying shot in the ninth inning against his former team, and Coby Mayo’s inside-the-park homer in the 11th sent the Baltimore Orioles to a 7-5 victory at Citi Field,” the Associated Press added.
The milestone was particularly notable because Alonso reached it against the organization with which he spent the first six seasons of his career. He became just the third player to hit his 300th homer against a team for which he had appeared in at least 1,000 games, per the Associated Press, joining Willie Horton and Torii Hunter.
The Mets had already honored Alonso with a tribute video before his series opener, followed by a standing ovation. Fans continued showing their appreciation throughout the series, underscoring how strong the connection remains between Alonso and the New York fan base, though Stearns wasn’t on hand to meet with him.
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