From New York Post · · 1m 50s
Mets pitcher stunned by fans cheering for Alonso
Sean Manaea couldn't believe Mets fans roared for ex-favorite Pete Alonso's go-ahead homer against their own team.
In brief
Sean Manaea couldn't believe Mets fans roared for ex-favorite Pete Alonso's go-ahead homer against their own team. A pitcher's frustration with fan loyalty to a departed star player reveals deeper frustration with the team's direction and front office. Originally reported by New York Post.
Alonso's 300th stuns Manaea

Pete Alonso, now with the Orioles, hit his 300th career home run at Citi Field on Tuesday night to tie the game in the ninth inning. Mets fans roared like he still wore blue and orange.
“I've never seen anything like that before. I know the guys in here, we are grinding our butts off and stuff like that happens. I've never seen anything like that, kinda crazy.”
Manaea baffled by the reaction

The Mets pitcher said he's never experienced fans cheering for an opposing player in a one-run game. He stressed his respect for Alonso but called the scene unprecedented.
“To have that kind of reaction to an opposing player, it could be anybody, is crazy to me.”
Alonso left the Mets unsigned
The Orioles first baseman was a fan favorite during his years in New York but rejected multiple contract offers from the Mets. He's now returning as an opponent.
Mets fans frustrated with front office
The team missed the playoffs in back-to-back years despite big payrolls. Fans are upset that president of baseball operations David Stearns failed to replace Alonso with Jorge Polanco.
Fans booed their own pitcher

In Monday's game, Mets fans booed starter Jonah Tong for walking Alonso in the third inning. Many also left early despite the one-run game.
Alonso got a curtain call

After crushing an 82-mile-per-hour forkball into the left-field stands, Alonso received a curtain call. Fans chanted his name and later chanted 'Fire Stearns.'
Alonso appreciated the love
The Orioles first baseman said he appreciated the support from Mets fans and acknowledged the two-way street of their relationship. He called his 300th home run a personal milestone.
“I appreciate all the support. Especially all the years I've been here, all the life I've lived here.”
Manaea respects Alonso, not the scene
The pitcher made clear he loves Alonso as a teammate and player but found the fan reaction bizarre. He said the current Mets work hard and deserve support.
“I played with Pete for a couple of years. I know how much he means to this organization, to this city. He's an exceptional player and I love him as a player, as a teammate, he's one of the greats.”
The big picture
A pitcher's frustration with fan loyalty to a departed star player reveals deeper frustration with the team's direction and front office.





