Florida Gators: Fomer Gator Pete Alonso looks to defend HRD title

In the past few years, the Florida Gators have produced some solid MLB talent. The likes of Jonathan India and Harrison Bader have been regular starters for their respective MLB teams. But perhaps their most successful alum of the last decade or so is Pete Alonso.

Alonso, of the New York Mets, has been one of the best power hitters in the league since he made it to the majors. For his career, he is currently batting .258 with 130 home runs, and OBP of .346 and a slugging pct of .538.

Despite all of the success he’s had early in his career, what Alonso is perhaps best knows for is his success at the Home Run Derby.

The only word that can be used to describe Pete’s performance at this event is dominant. He has won the last 2 contests, making him the first back to back winner since Yoenis Cespedes in 2013-14. This year, he’s looking to become the first player ever to win 3 consecutive HRDs.

For as young as Alonso is, it’s worth noting he currently holds the all time lead for total homers hit in the derby, and it isn’t particularly close.

He’s hit 131 bombs through his first 2 appearances. In second place is Joc Pederson, who has also played in 2 derbys, and totaled 99 deep shots.

That stat is the best indicator of just how much better Alonso has been than everybody else at the Derby. 32 home runs is a lot, even in the derby. For that to be his lead over the entire field in MLB history is incredible.

Everyone who has watched Pete in the derby knows that nobody brings the type of energy he does to the plate. He lives for the derby. And with the Mets not having lots of postseason play to worry about the past few years, he has all the time he needs to train.

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