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'Couldn't Feel Any Better': Pete Alonso Homers In Spring Training Debut With Orioles
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'Couldn't Feel Any Better': Pete Alonso Homers In Spring Training Debut With Orioles

#Pete Alonso #Baltimore Orioles #New York Yankees #Spring Training #Home Run #Free Agent #Tampa

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Pete Alonso homered in his Orioles spring training debut, driving in both runs in a 2-0 victory over the Yankees
  • The home run came in the sixth inning against Yankees right-hander Bradley Hanner on a first-pitch curveball
  • Alonso signed a $155 million, five-year contract with Baltimore after seven seasons with the Mets
  • The game held special significance as it took place near Alonso's Tampa childhood home where he played youth baseball

📖 Full Retelling

Former New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso homered in his spring training debut for the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, February 20, 2026, driving in both runs in a 2-0 exhibition victory over the cross-town rival New York Yankees as he begins his new chapter with the team after signing a lucrative free-agent contract. In his third plate appearance with his new team, Alonso connected on a first-pitch curveball from right-hander Bradley Hanner in the sixth inning, sending the ball over the fence in left-center field to provide the game's only scoring despite most regulars having already exited the spring training opener. Alonso's desire for additional at-bats and work at first base was evident as he approached manager Craig Albernaz, who noted that the veteran slugger 'just wants to play' and made the most of his opportunity. After spending his first seven major league seasons with the Mets, Alonso joined the Orioles on a $155 million, five-year contract in December, leaving behind a fan-favorite status in New York to embark on what he hopes will be a successful tenure in Baltimore. 'Obviously, hitting homers feels amazing, doesn't matter what time of year. Happy to break the seal,' Alonso said, expressing his enthusiasm for his new uniform and organization. The significance of the location was not lost on Alonso, whose parents attended the game near his Tampa home, where he had previously played youth baseball for the Sarasota Salty Dogs at the Cal Ripken Complex across the street from the Orioles' spring training facility. 'As a kid, I remember riding shotgun, just getting ready, getting dressed. It's really cool kind of driving by because I had many, many, many games and weekends over just right across the street at that complex. So it's really special,' the 31-year-old five-time All-Star added.

🏷️ Themes

Baseball, Career Transition, Homecoming

📚 Related People & Topics

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American professional baseball team

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Pete Alonso

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American baseball player (born 1994)

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Spring training

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Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

Pete Alonso's spring debut homer signals a strong start to his tenure with the Orioles and demonstrates his continued power-hitting ability after a big contract. It also highlights the Orioles' strategy of integrating a high-profile veteran into their lineup early in the season.

Context & Background

  • Alonso signed a $155 million, five-year deal with the Orioles in December 2025
  • He had seven seasons with the Mets before the trade
  • The Orioles won the spring training opener against the Yankees 2-0

What Happens Next

The Orioles will continue to evaluate Alonso's performance in the remainder of spring training and early regular season games. His presence may influence lineup decisions and provide veteran leadership for younger players.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Alonso perform in his first game with the Orioles?

He hit a home run in his third plate appearance, giving the Orioles the only run in a 2-0 win over the Yankees

What is the significance of his contract?

The $155 million, five-year deal reflects the Orioles' confidence in his ability to contribute immediately and help the team compete

Original Source
- No Data Available - BROWSE BY SPORTS & TEAMS PLAYERS SHOWS PERSONALITIES TOPICS Built on Major League Baseball Major League Baseball 'Couldn't Feel Any Better': Pete Alonso Homers In Spring Training Debut With Orioles Published Feb. 20, 2026 7:16 p.m. ET share facebook x reddit link Pete Alonso homered in his spring training debut for the Baltimore Orioles , providing the only runs in a 2-0 exhibition victory over the New York Yankees on Friday. In his third plate appearance in a big league uniform other than the New York Mets , Alonso pulled a first-pitch curveball over the fence in left-center field against right-hander Bradley Hanner in the sixth inning. Most of the regulars had exited the spring training opener, but Alonso wanted another trip to the plate and some more work at first base. "He wanted it, and he made the most of it," first-year manager Craig Albernaz said. "It speaks a lot. Pete just wants to play." Alonso spent his first seven major league seasons with the Mets before signing a $155 million, five-year contract with the Orioles in December. The 31-year-old was a fan favorite in New York. "Obviously, hitting homers feels amazing, doesn’t matter what time of year. Happy to break the seal," Alonso said. "I feel honored to wear (this uniform). I feel great in it, I feel like I look good in it. So, it’s fantastic. I honestly couldn’t feel any better." Alonso's parents attended the game a short drive from the five-time All-Star's home in Tampa. His youth travel baseball team was the Sarasota Salty Dogs, and they played games at the Cal Ripken Complex across the street from Ed Smith Stadium, the Orioles' spring home. "As a kid, I remember riding shotgun, just getting ready, getting dressed," Alonso said. "It’s really cool kind of driving by because I had many, many, many games and weekends over just right across the street at that complex. So it’s really special." Reporting by The Associated Press.
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