Pete Alonso wants to win the Home Run Derby because of the competitor in him, but the Mets first baseman has other motives.
The rookie slugger on Tuesday indicated he intends to donate a portion of his earnings from the event to the Wounded Warrior Foundation and Tunnel to Towers. First place in the Home Run Derby carries a $1 million payout.
Alonso indicated he would give 5 percent of his winnings to each organization. Wounded Warriors aids injured military, and Tunnel to Towers represents military and first responders
“We grew up in a military background, both my grandpas,” Alonso said before going 0-for-3 with a run scored in the Mets’ 4-2 win over the Yankees. “We have a real important [emphasis] on the people who take care of human life and are selfless in that regard. They put themselves in the line of duty, whether that be overseas or here trying to protect us civilians in New York or around our country.”
The Home Run Derby is scheduled for Monday in Cleveland, a night before the All-Star Game. Alonso practiced before Tuesday’s game, with his cousin Derek Morgan — who will serve as his pitcher in the event — throwing batting practice to him.
“I have the utmost respect for those people who are in the line of duty every day and risk their lives to protect others,” Alonso said. “I play a game for a living and those are the people that for me are my true heroes and I want to give back because every single day they are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and put themselves in harm’s way to keep everyone else safe. I want to show my respect and gratitude.”
Jeurys Familia, Luis Avilan and Justin Wilson, who pitched two-thirds of an inning, were all activated from the injured list before the game to refurbish the bullpen and Luis Guillorme was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to provide infield depth. Chris Flexen, Chris Mazza and Stephen Nogosek were all optioned to Syracuse and Brooks Pounders was designated for assignment.
Brett Baty, a third baseman selected by the Mets in the first round of last month’s draft, was promoted from the Gulf Coast League to rookie-level Kingsport.