Unsurprisingly, New York Mets fans gave Baltimore Orioles slugger Pete Alonso multiple standing ovations and loud cheers throughout Alonso's return to Citi Field during what became a 2-1 Baltimore win on Monday night. 

While many in attendance chanted Alonso's name at different points of the contest, some of those paying customers also chanted for team owner Steve Cohen to fire Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns for not re-signing Alonso this past offseason. 

Following Monday's game, Alonso reflected on all that he heard in Queens. 

Pete Alonso appreciated the love he received from Mets fans

"It’s an honor," Alonso said about the ovations, per Peter Sblendorio of the New York Daily News. "Coming back and seeing everything condensed like that [in the tribute video], it’s special, and it’s much appreciated." 

Alonso previously played only for the Mets after he made his MLB debut in 2019, and he became the franchise's all-time home run king last summer. While the "Polar Bear" remains one of the more popular baseball figures of the 2000s among Mets fans, it became clear long before the club's offseason got underway last fall that Stearns did not want to make a long-term financial commitment to the first baseman. 

Stearns ultimately failed to acquire an adequate replacement for Alonso, and the 69-81 Mets were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Monday night. Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that Alonso slashed .268/.363/.496 with an .859 OPS, 35 home runs and 100 RBI over his first 151 games of the ongoing season. 

The Mets lineup certainly could have used that kind of production earlier this year. 

Pete Alonso responds to angry Mets fans

Alonso was also asked about the angry Mets fans who chanted "fire Stearns" during several portions of Monday's game. 

"I kind of see it and take it as they appreciated what I brought to the field, because for me, I take pride in just giving everything I have, every single night," Alonso said. "I take it as they’re just showing their appreciation for the years of effort and performance."

Stearns reportedly will get at least one more offseason to make things right and fix what pockets of Mets fans felt he broke following the 2025 campaign. He may need to assemble a World Series-winning squad to win back supporters who still haven't forgiven him for Alonso's departure.