Soto Understands Fan Adulation for Alonso's Milestone Homer
Juan Soto, who has experienced similar fan reactions, stated he doesn't believe Mets fans turned against the team by cheering Pete Alonso's 300th career home run.
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto expressed understanding regarding the fan reception Pete Alonso received after hitting his 300th career home run this week at Citi Field. Soto, who has been a franchise player himself, noted that he doesn't think the fans' cheers for Alonso indicated a lack of support for the current team.
"I don’t think they turned on us," Soto said Wednesday. "I think they just cheered for him. He did everything for this city, for this organization, and I feel like they appreciated it and they were cheering for him."
Alonso's milestone blast occurred during a game against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday. The adoration from the crowd for Alonso, the franchise's all-time home run leader, was palpable. Soto, having experienced similar fan engagement, offered a perspective that the cheers were a recognition of Alonso's past contributions to the Mets organization and the city, rather than a protest against the current team's performance. Soto's comments come as the Mets continue their series against the Orioles.