Alonso passes Strawberry as Mets' new career home run leader - ESPN

NEW YORK — Mets slugger Pete Alonso hit his 253rd career homer Tuesday night, breaking the franchise record held by Darryl Strawberry for 37 years.

The 30-year-old Alonso drove a 95.1 mph fastball from Atlanta Braves right-hander Spencer Strider just over the wall in right-center for a two-run shot in the third inning. Alonso's 27th homer of the season lifted the Mets to a 5-1 lead.

And he wasn't done there, either.

In the sixth inning, Alonso connected for a solo home run to give New York an 11-5 lead.

After the third-inning shot, the Mets celebrated the accomplishment with a scoreboard graphic with the number 253 alongside pictures of Alonso and polar bears in honor of the slugger's nickname. Alonso embraced Brandon Nimmo, who scored ahead of him, and another longtime teammate, on-deck hitter Jeff McNeil, before doffing his cap and blowing kisses to a near-sellout crowd that included New York owner Steve Cohen.

Led by manager Carlos Mendoza, the Mets poured out of the dugout to exchange embraces with Alonso as the crowd chanted his name. Alonso emerged for another curtain call during McNeil's at-bat.

Following the inning, the Mets played the theme from «The Natural» and Alonso again doffed his cap as the camera lingered on Strawberry's No. 18 hanging above foul territory in left field at Citi Field.

The Mets also released a video on social media featuring a message from Strawberry.

«I just want to say congratulations on breaking the home run record,» Strawberry said. «You have worked hard, you have stood up in the pressure of New York City, and you have played well. It is well deserved. You are a homegrown player. Again, congratulations and continue to have great success.»

The passing of the crown