From The Banner · Kyle Goon · · 3m
Pete Alonso is already the face Baltimore needed
The Orioles' star slugger has proved his $31 million contract worth far beyond his bat.
In brief
The Orioles' star slugger has proved his $31 million contract worth far beyond his bat. Alonso's genuine warmth and engagement with fans makes him the franchise cornerstone the Orioles needed, not just as a player but as a community ambassador. Originally reported by The Banner.
Orioles paid Alonso 31 million
The Baltimore Orioles signed Pete Alonso to a major contract this season. The question is whether any dollar amount can capture his value to the franchise.
He's a natural at connecting with fans
Every interaction Alonso has with fans shows genuine warmth and awe. He brings a sparkle that reassures people he's as nice as they've heard.
Movie night showed his priorities
On an off day, Alonso and his wife Haley hosted a charity movie night at Camden Yards benefitting the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter. They held a silent auction with sports memorabilia to raise funds.
He's embraced Baltimore as home
Fresh off an emotional return to New York where Mets fans chanted for him, Alonso spent his evening taking pictures with Baltimore fans. He told the columnist the city deserves its Charm City nickname.
“The people here have been awesome. Every day, it's like, man, you understand why the nickname is Charm City.”
Front office made the right call
General manager Mike Elias signed Alonso as both a slugger and a franchise face. The columnist, who's been critical of the front office, credits this as one of the season's biggest successes.
His bat kept the season alive
After the trade deadline on August third, the season looked finished. But Alonso's 1.026 OPS in August kept the Orioles clinging to a wild card chance.
He handles fame with grace
Unlike some athletes who struggle with constant fan attention, Alonso takes it in stride. He has a superpower of bringing fans joy and doesn't shy away from it.
The 300th home run moment
When fans tracked down Alonso's 300th career home run ball, he signed whatever they wanted and offered Camden Yards tickets. He made them feel genuinely excited to spend time with them.
“This is a sick boys trip and we're gonna keep this. But they were like, 'Hey, we're gonna do the right thing.'”
He's paying success forward
Alonso's foundation is using his 300th home run milestone to donate 300 meals to hospital workers, 300 care packages to veterans, and cover 300 pet adoption fees.
Baltimore's attachment will grow
The same adoration Mets fans showed Alonso is taking root in Baltimore. Over the next four years, fans will feel the same level of attachment to him.
He represents the city
Alonso said that when you represent a city and embody it, people appreciate that. He and his wife have been appreciative of Baltimore and everyone who welcomed them.
“When you get to represent a city and embody a city, people appreciate that.”
What it means
Alonso's genuine warmth and engagement with fans makes him the franchise cornerstone the Orioles needed, not just as a player but as a community ambassador.
