Chris Russo Blasts Pete Alonso Record Hoopla, Slams Gary Cohen

The New York Mets witnessed history this week when slugger Pete Alonso clubbed his 253rd career home run. He surpassed Darryl Strawberry for the franchise record.

Mets fans might have been ready to celebrate. Not everyone felt impressed, though.

ESPN personality and former WFAN host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo blasted the team — and its announcers — for what he saw as an overblown reaction. He argued the milestone lacked real significance, especially given the Mets’ current struggles in the standings.

Alonso Tops Strawberry for Mets Home Run Record

During a 13-5 victory, Alonso went deep twice against the opposition. He officially overtook Strawberry’s long-standing mark.

The power-hitting first baseman now stands alone as the Mets’ all-time home run leader with 254 career blasts. It’s a number that’s going to stick in the record books for a while, at least.

Gary Cohen’s Enthusiastic Call

Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen marked the moment with an emphatic call. He shouted “Outta here! Outta here!” and described Alonso as “the most prolific home run hitter in New York Mets history” and “on his own private iceberg.”

The call aimed to capture Alonso’s place in franchise lore. For Russo, though, it crossed the line from excitement into excessive hype.

Russo’s Sharp Criticism

Russo minced no words in his critique. He argued the moment was being treated as though it was a transformative event for the team, despite the Mets’ recent collapse in the standings.

The club has dropped 11 of its last 12 games. They now trail the Philadelphia Phillies by five games in the NL East.

More critically, they’re just two games clear of their nearest postseason challenger. In Russo’s mind, celebration should take a back seat to urgency.

“Ridiculous” Celebration Amid Mediocrity

Calling the attention surrounding Alonso’s milestone “ridiculous,” Russo claimed that most Mets fans wouldn’t have even known the old home run record. He doubted many considered it a vital piece of franchise lore.

He emphasized that the mark of 254 home runs, while impressive for an individual player, is relatively low compared to power records for other MLB teams. That, he suggested, says something about the Mets’ history with elite power hitters.

Roster Questions and Contract Tension

Beyond the celebration, Russo took aim at the front office for not locking Alonso into a long-term deal. If they truly value his contributions, why haven’t they acted?

Currently, Alonso is in the midst of a two-year, $54 million contract signed last offseason. The deal includes an opt-out clause after this season — one many insiders expect him to exercise to test the free-agent market.

The Risk of Losing a Franchise Star

From Russo’s perspective, the contradiction is glaring. The Mets tout Alonso’s accomplishments as franchise-defining but haven’t secured him for the long haul.

If the first baseman walks, Tuesday’s celebrated moment could turn into a bittersweet footnote in team history. That possibility hangs over the fanbase right now.

Perspective on the Milestone

Franchise records still hold emotional weight for many fans, regardless of the number. Alonso’s achievement puts him ahead of a beloved Mets figure in Darryl Strawberry, whose power feats in the 1980s helped carry the franchise to a World Series championship.

Yet Russo’s point highlights the tension between sports nostalgia and the cold reality of the standings. It’s a debate that doesn’t have an easy answer.

Looking Ahead for the Mets

As the season pushes toward its final stretch, the Mets have to protect their fragile playoff position. Sure, Pete Alonso’s record might stand for years, but that’s not what’s on everyone’s mind right now.

The team needs to turn around its recent skid. For fans, the hope is that Tuesday’s fireworks were just the start of bigger moments—maybe in October, when it actually matters.

 
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