Baltimore Orioles’ slugger Pete Alonso returned to Citi Field on September 15, 2026, to an emotional reception from New York Mets fans, who honored him despite his recent departure from the team. Alonso launched the 300th home run of his career against his former club, an achievement that drew chants of his name and a curtain call from the crowd. This milestone tied the game late, though the Orioles went on to win 7-5, fueled further by Coby Mayo’s inside-the-park homer in extra innings.

While fans celebrated Alonso’s enduring impact, many expressed their discontent with the Mets organization, particularly targeting President of Baseball Operations David Stearns. The crowd’s “Fire Stearns” chants underscored frustration toward the front office following last offseason’s decisions, which saw the release of Alonso and several veteran players. The Mets are on track to miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year, intensifying fan unrest.

Stearns notably kept a low profile during Alonso’s memorable homecoming, absent from Citi Field amid the visible fan dissatisfaction. His decision to stay out of the public eye during the series reflects the tension between him and the fanbase following contentious roster moves. This absence highlighted the growing disconnect between the team’s leadership and its supporters.

Alonso’s achievement is significant not just for the milestone itself but for the rarity of its context—he became only the third player to hit his 300th career home run against a team for which he played over 1,000 games, joining Willie Horton and Torii Hunter. Despite no longer being with the Mets, Alonso’s strong bond with the fans remains evident, as the franchise had previously celebrated him with a tribute video and standing ovation prior to the series.