Florida baseball: Former Gator Pete Alonso off to All-Star Game

For the first time since Keith Hernandez, the New York Mets are sending a first-baseman to the All-Star Game. This time, Florida baseball provided the talent.

His 28 home runs already earned him a spot in the 2019 MLB Home Run Derby during the All-Star Game festivities in Cleveland.

Now, former Florida baseball product Pete Alonso will get to play in the game as well.

Alonso accepted an invitation to take part in the Home Run Derby, and said it didn’t matter whether he was chosen for the game or not, he was going to participate.

"“It’s just something I have always looked forward to,” the rookie said before the Mets lost their series opener to the Braves 6-2 at Citi Field last week, according to the New York Post. “I grew up kind of the same person I am now. Kind of just a big power hitter and something like, ‘Man, hopefully, I get to do this someday,’ so I am really excited and hopefully I get to be in the game, too.”"

Alonso learned yesterday that he would join teammates Jeff McNeil and Jacob deGrom on the National League roster for the game July 9. McNeil and deGrom will be reserves on the National League squad.

“It’s a dream come true,” Alonso said to SNY Sunday. “I wouldn’t think in a million years I’d be an All-Star as a rookie. It’s crazy. It’s a dream come true.”

The former Gator currently ranks second in Major League Baseball in home runs.

He is also the fourth rookie from the Mets to be named to the All-Star team. He joins Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and Darryl Strawberry as Met rookies chosen for the game.

The 32-year drought for the Mets sending a first baseman to the All-Star Game was the longest drought in franchise history for any position, according to our brothers at Rising Apple.

So far this season, Alonso is hitting .278 with 54 runs scored and 64 RBI. He was drafted by the Mets in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft.