(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Those who have seen the MLB Home Run Derby in recent years have already associated the competition with a noted New York Mets slugger: Pete Alonso.
It’s impossible not to.
He won the competition in impressive fashion in 2019, when he was a rookie.
That was the year in which he established the record for most home runs in a single season as a rookie, with 53.
It still stands, by the way; and as it turns out, he also put on a show in the exhibition competition.
He then won it again in 2021, and cemented his place as a Home Run Derby legend.
Now, he is going all in for more glory.
“Pete Alonso announced he is participating in the HR Derby. He is looking to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only player to win the HR Derby 3 times. Alonso won in 2019 and 2021,” ESPN Stats & Info tweeted.
Pete Alonso announced he is participating in the HR Derby.
He is looking to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only player to win the HR Derby 3 times.
Alonso won in 2019 and 2021. pic.twitter.com/mwXqCtnRUZ
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 3, 2023
That’s right: only Ken Griffey Jr., the guy who dominated the 1990s with his amazing power displays, has won the competition three times.
If Alonso ends up prevailing on July 10 at T-Mobile Park, he will make history and join Griffey.
To do that, however, he will have to get through a tough pool of power hitters.
So far, Mookie Betts, Randy Arozarena, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Julio Rodriguez have said yes to the Derby besides Alonso.
Any time Alonso is in, he is automatically a favorite to win.
This year, he has 25 home runs with the Mets and hit 40 last season.
Over his excellent career, he has accumulated 171 and counting.
Will he join Griffey when it’s all said and done?
The post Pete Alonso Is Chasing MLB History With Latest Announcement appeared first on The Cold Wire.