Alonso gets emotional welcome from Mets fans in Citi Field return

Pete Alonso received a standing ovation and a tribute video from New York Mets fans during his first at-bat back at Citi Field on Monday night, but the emotional welcome was followed by chants of "Fire Stearns" directed at team president David Stearns. The first baseman, now with the Baltimore Orioles, returned to Queens for the first time since signing a five-year, $155 million contract with Baltimore after the 2025 season. Alonso, who spent seven seasons with the Mets and holds the franchise record with 264 home runs, was greeted with a nearly two-minute tribute video before his first plate appearance. The crowd of 35,800 rose to its feet as he tipped his cap, and the scoreboard displayed "Welcome Back, Pete!" The stadium played his former walk-up song, "Layla," and fans chanted his name before each of his four plate appearances. The warm reception shifted after Alonso flew out to right field in his first at-bat. Fans began chanting "Fire Stearns," expressing frustration over the organization's decision not to re-sign him.