The last time the Mets opened their season at home came in 2020.
The last time the Mets opened their season at home with fans in the stands came in 2018.
Which made Friday a strange bit of history for Pete Alonso, who never had enjoyed an Opening Day inside a packed Citi Field before.
Alonso loved the atmosphere of an odd career first, but he said he did not consider whether it could be his last Opening Day with the Mets.
“I was just happy to enjoy the day,” Alonso said after the 3-1 loss to the Brewers. “Opening Day here isn’t necessarily guaranteed. This is my first one in my six years, starting on the road and COVID. I’m just really happy I got to experience the first game of the season at Citi Field.”
Alonso will face questions all year about his future because the Mets have not extended the star first baseman who can be a free agent after the season.
There have been no known talks about a long-term deal, and new Mets president David Stearns has said that Alonso can handle the pressure of performing in a contract year.
Alonso has continued to say that he loves New York and playing for the Mets.
Alonso heard loud “Pete” cheers upon being introduced — the only one who may have received a louder ovation was the returning Edwin Diaz — though he and his teammates could not give the home crowd much reason to shout afterward.
Only Starling Marte recorded a hit, and Alonso went 0-for-3 with a ground out, fly out to the left-field warning track and a foul out.
Since debuting in 2019, Alonso has smoked the most home runs in baseball (192), made three All-Star teams and emerged as one of the sport’s premier sluggers.
He has shown he can handle big moments.
If Friday felt bigger because of its potential finality, Alonso did not state it publicly.
“It’s an exciting time of the year,” Alonso said. “I was just really excited today.”