Chants of "Fire Stearns!" reverberated through Citi Field on Tuesday night as New York Mets fans made their feelings known about team management during Pete Alonso's return. The ovations for Alonso, who was playing his first game back at his former home stadium, were lengthy and enthusiastic, but quickly gave way to clear disapproval directed at David Stearns, the team's President of Baseball Operations.
Fans chanted Alonso's name upon his initial appearance from the dugout, again as he stood along the third base line, and even during a welcome-home video tribute. However, as the game progressed, the sentiment shifted, with loud calls of "FIRE STEARNS!" emanating from sections of the crowd. The chants were briefly interrupted by the game's progression and a quick-thinking Citi Field staffer who displayed a picture of popular radio announcer Howie Rose on the scoreboard, a move seemingly intended to divert the crowd's attention.
Alonso, playing for the Baltimore Orioles, acknowledged the warm reception from the Mets faithful. He had spoken earlier in the day about embracing his return to the city and expressing gratitude for his time with the team. "Fire Stearns!" chants were heard from section to section, indicating significant fan discontent with the current direction of the team's management.
Mets fans displayed signs expressing their feelings, with messages like "WE MISS YOU PETE" visible in the stands. The strong vocal and visual feedback from the fanbase underscores a clear desire for changes within the organization's leadership.