Pete Alonso slid into Mets lore by breaking the franchise’s all-time home run record with 253, surpassing Darryl Strawberry’s 252. His record‑setter was a two‑run blast in the third off Spencer Strider, a shot that also plated Brandon Nimmo. Alonso, now 30, continues to cement himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters since his 2019 debut. The moment lands amid context: Alonso sits behind Judge and Schwarber in the post‑2019 HR race, and the Mets’ all-time list features Wright, Piazza, and HoJo in the top five while Alonso’s chase of free agency looms after a two‑year, $54M deal with an opt‑out.

The piece frames Alonso’s ascent within a history of franchise leaders and league comparatives, noting that only a handful of teams have longer HR tyings than New York’s new king. The Mets’ 1962 expansion roots and 1969 World Series glory provide a backdrop to Alonso’s ascent, a reminder that even record milestones are woven into a broader narrative of franchise memory and evolving rosters.

Billy Wagner, the all-time saves leader for the Houston Astros, is set for a momentous induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. As he reflects on his 16-year career, he recalls the monumental home runs he allowed against some of baseball's biggest hitters.

Among the most notable was Mark McGwire’s towering shot during the 1998 season, which landed deep in Busch Stadium amidst the historic home run race with Sammy Sosa. Wagner's recollection highlights the power struggle, noting that he had McGwire down 0-2 before the blast. Wagner also remembers a pinch-hitting encounter with Barry Bonds, where a 98-mph fastball was sent over the fence, a moment he humorously shared with his children afterward.

Wagner's encounters with other prominent players like Luis Gonzalez, Chipper Jones, and Craig Biggio also stand out. Each home run allowed tells a story, showcasing the intense competition and camaraderie that defined his career, culminating in his upcoming Hall of Fame honor.