Mets fans make their Pete Alonso allegiance clear in sluggers return to Citi Field

Pete Alonso made his long-awaited return to Citi Field on Monday night and if there was any question about how the first baseman would be remembered by Mets fans, that was erased quickly. Among a sea of Alonso’s No.20 Mets jerseys, Alonso came back to Queens as No.

25 in the black and orange of the Orioles. After visiting the Mets clubhouse to greet former teammates and staffers and shaking hands with team owner Steve Cohen behind the batting cage on the field before the game, Alonso received plenty of ovations and chants of his name — including during a video montage shown before first pitch. But the most anticipated moment came when Alonso came to the plate for the first time as an Oriole two batters into the game. After waiting nearly a year to see Alonso again, Mets fans didn’t waste any time in making their feelings known. He received a lengthy standing ovation that he acknowledged before flying out to right field. That’s when the lovefest ended and a loud “Fire Stearns” chant erupted before Gunnar Henderson mercifully flied out to end the inning. Prior to the game, Alonso talked about why he remained so popular around his old stomping grounds. “I care so much about leaving it all out on the field,’’ Alonso said outside the visiting clubhouse.“I put all the emotion I have into emptying the tank every night.

I’m glad people appreciate that.For them to recognize that is special.” Fittingly, Alonso was in the lineup for the first game of the series, as he has been for every game this season. No one on the Mets can say they haven’t missed a game, and that reliability is just one of the parts of Alonso’s game the team has missed in this lost season. “My job is to play, and I want to do whatever I can for my team to help win the game,’’ Alonso said.

“For me, I love playing.I relish every opportunity I get to go out and put the uniform on.

It’s a special opportunity to play baseball for a job.I take pride in it.”...