Mets Pitcher Manaea Calls Fan Reaction to Alonso's Home Run 'Crazy'

Sean Manaea, a pitcher for the New York Mets, expressed bewilderment Tuesday night at the Citi Field crowd's reaction to former Mets star Pete Alonso's game-tying home run for the Baltimore Orioles.

Manaea, in his 11th year in Major League Baseball, stated he had never witnessed such an occurrence. Alonso's solo home run in the ninth inning, which marked the 300th of his career, tied the game at 3-3. Despite the hit's impact on the Mets' lead, the home crowd erupted in cheers.

"I've got nothing but respect for him, I love him to death, but as a team, as the 2026 Mets, I know we have definitely underperformed," Manaea said following the Mets' 7-5 loss in 11 innings. "But the guys in here work their ass off every single day. To have that kind of reaction to an opposing player — it could be anybody — is crazy to me."

The fan reception for Alonso has deviated from the typical warm welcome for former fan favorites. On Monday, Mets fans reportedly booed when Jonah Tong walked Alonso in the third inning, and many fans left the stadium after Alonso's final at-bat, even with the game still close.

On Tuesday, the crowd significantly cheered as Alonso connected with an 82-mph forkball from Kodai Senga, sending it into the left-field stands. The home run was Alonso's 124th at Citi Field. One broadcaster noted, "that's what the fans came to see."

Fans chanted Alonso's name and he received a curtain call, a gesture typically reserved for home team stars. Following this, chants of "Fire Stearns," targeting the president of baseball operations, were heard.

Manaea acknowledged Alonso's popularity and his significance to the Mets organization and the city. "Pete's not here," Manaea stated. "The powers that be — whatever that may be — he's just not here. I know everybody loves him. He's the man. But he's not here.

Alonso, who rejected offers from the Mets over the years, appreciated the fan support. "Everyone in the dugout was saying, 'Go out there,' and they were right," Alonso said of his curtain call. "I appreciate all the support. Especially all the years I've been here, all the life I've lived here. Obviously appreciate that, and it's a two-way street."

Manaea reiterated his respect for Alonso as a player and former teammate, emphasizing that his comments reflected the unusual fan reaction, not any issue with Alonso himself. "I played with Pete for a couple of years. I know how much he means to this organization, to this city. He's an exceptional player and I love him as a player, as a teammate, he's one of the greats," Manaea said. "And unfortunately he's not on the Mets anymore and congrats to him, 300 home runs, super happy for him. It's just crazy how things kinda unfolded."