Home/MLB
feature-image

via Imago

feature-image

via Imago

Gary Cohen’s voice soared with pure magic as Pete Alonso’s 253rd home run sailed into Mets immortality, finally dethroning Darryl Strawberry as the franchise king. The beloved broadcaster delivered what should have been a career-defining call, painting history with his signature passion. But instead of universal praise, Cohen found himself under attack. One furious ESPN personality watched that emotional moment and decided the veteran announcer deserved a brutal public beating for daring to celebrate mediocrity.

Not everyone shared Cohen’s enthusiasm for the historic moment. ESPN’s Chris Russo launched an all-out assault on the celebration surrounding Alonso’s milestone, questioning why anyone cared about the record while the Mets imploded. The fiery host couldn’t stomach the fanfare while his team sat buried five games behind Philadelphia in the NL East. After watching the Mets lose 11 of 12 games, Russo saw the home run hoopla as misplaced priorities rather than genuine achievement worth celebrating.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Russo specifically targeted Cohen’s broadcast work, dismissing the entire production as manufactured drama. “I cannot believe the big deal people are making about Pete Alonso being the franchise record-holder now for home runs,” Russo exploded on his show. He couldn’t understand the celebration while the team spiraled downward. “You can’t even tell me what the home run record was before this nonsense. This is ridiculous,” Russo continued, calling out the veteran announcer’s historic call. His attack on Cohen felt particularly personal, suggesting the beloved broadcaster hyped meaningless moments while the team crumbled around them.

The ESPN host saved his harshest criticism for the organization’s treatment of Alonso himself. “And by the way, if the Mets love Alonso so much, why didn’t they pay him in the offseason, for crying out loud?” Russo fired back. “He was a free agent, they didn’t want to pay him a nickel, and they bounced around all over the place until basically he came back with his hat out, ‘Please sign me.'” Well, you know what they say about burning bridges—Russo torched the entire Mets organization while questioning their commitment to their new home run king. However, perhaps Russo overlooked the broader significance behind Alonso’s historic night. The slugger’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect for proving his doubters wrong.

Mets face Pete Alonso contract reality check

While Russo raged about misplaced priorities, Pete Alonso was busy creating his narrative. The slugger launched his 253rd and 254th career home runs Tuesday night against Atlanta, officially becoming the franchise’s all-time home run king in the most Pete Alonso way possible. Talk about perfect timing for someone who bet on himself by declining earlier contract discussions.

This moment couldn’t have arrived at a better time for Alonso, who now sits positioned to cash in big during free agency. He’s earned every penny that’s coming his way after this record-breaking performance. The power display reminded everyone why he remains such a valuable commodity despite the team’s struggles around him.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After making history, Alonso kept it real about his future in Queens. “I love the city of New York,” he said. “I love this fanbase. It’s been great. The business is the business side, if they choose to go in another direction. For me, it’s been an absolute treat and pleasure here.”

What’s your perspective on:

Is celebrating Alonso's record a distraction from the Mets' failures, or a deserved spotlight on his talent?

Have an interesting take?

The pressure now falls squarely on the Mets’ front office. Alonso has delivered everything you could want from a franchise cornerstone—power, consistency, and that indefinable connection with the fanbase that makes him irreplaceable. Sure, he’s 30 years old, and power hitters can decline quickly, but this season tells a different story with his batting average bouncing back significantly.

Bottom line, Alonso has positioned himself as one of this offseason’s premier free agents. The Mets know they can’t afford to let their new home run king walk away, regardless of what ESPN personalities think about celebrating his achievements during tough times.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Is celebrating Alonso's record a distraction from the Mets' failures, or a deserved spotlight on his talent?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT