Pete Alonso’s hilariously oversized Home Run Derby check is going to a good cause as the legend of this New York Mets rookie grows.
Pistol Pete Alonso is one of the few storylines New York Mets fans can embrace from this disappointing season.
On Friday, Alonso received his $1 million check for winning the Home Run Derby. Not only did he receive the money, but it also came in the form of a ridiculous oversized check. Large checks are one of life’s simple pleasures and if that makes me a simpleton, I’m alright with that.
But large checks aside, Alonso is using his winnings to give back to the Wounded Warriors Project and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Pete Alonso: "I want to be a good person, too. I don't want to be just a good baseball player."
He discusses what it meant to him not only to win the Home Run Derby, but also to use it as a platform to give back to the Wounded Warrior Project and Tunnel to Towers. pic.twitter.com/gHVIO9rUBd
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 26, 2019
“I don’t even know how to describe it when I was out there,” Alonso told reporters. “I was in this weird state of mind. It was just game mode. It didn’t really hit me until after because when I was in the middle of it, I was just thinking about winning and just competing. After the fact, when I won, that’s when it really hit me.
“I think that just going through this entire process has been emotional, but I’m really happy that I’m helping. I’m really happy that I can help some people.”
Alonso’s victory in the Derby came at the expense of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who put on an absolute show in his semifinal round against Joc Pederson.
Alonso benefited from going second in all three rounds he hit. Guerrero, on the other hand, had to hit second in all three rounds. It was a definite disadvantage, but that’s the way it goes.
As Alonso talked about, he entered the contest with the intent to win and he was going to do whatever it took to make that happen.
Donating part of his winnings to two noble causes is just another reason to root for the rookie slugger.
mets
