The story

Pete Alonso made his first appearance at Citi Field as an opposing player Monday night when his Baltimore Orioles defeated the Mets 2-1, eliminating New York from playoff contention. A crowd of 35,800 gave the former Mets first baseman standing ovations and chanted his name before each of his four plate appearances. The Mets aired a nearly two-minute tribute video showcasing Alonso's seven seasons in New York, during which he hit a franchise-record 264 home runs and made five All-Star teams.

Alonso went hitless in the game but is having another strong season for Baltimore with 35 homers and 100 RBIs. He signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Orioles in the offseason after the Mets declined to offer him a deal. Mets owner Steve Cohen told Alonso before the game, "This is your home. Appreciate you, Pete." Alonso responded by saying he feels at home in Baltimore and hopes to finish his career as an Oriole.

The Mets replaced Alonso with Jorge Polanco, a decision that has drawn criticism from fans who chanted "Fire Stearns" in the first inning, directing frustration at president of baseball operations David Stearns. Alonso leads the Orioles in home runs, RBIs, runs scored, total bases and wins above replacement, largely because he has played every day. The 31-year-old won NL Rookie of the Year in 2019 when he set a major league rookie record with 53 home runs.