Pete Alonso to swing for the fences

FILE – National League’s Pete Alonso, center, of the New York Mets, hits during the second round of the MLB All Star baseball Home Run Derby, July…

FILE – National League’s Pete Alonso, center, of the New York Mets, hits during the second round of the MLB All Star baseball Home Run Derby, July 12, 2021, in Denver. A new baseball rule says that if the All-Star Game is tied after nine innings, a Home Run Derby will decide the winner. (AP Photo/Gabriel Christus, File)

by: Brian Rudman

Posted: Jul 11, 2022 / 04:44 PM EDT

Updated: Jul 11, 2022 / 04:44 PM EDT

FLUSHING, NY – New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso announced on Monday that he will be participating in the 2022 Home Run Derby as a part of the All Star festivities taking place in Los Angeles.

Alonso is the 2-time defending champion of the contest, winning in both 2019 and 2021 (there was no contest in 2020).

The Polar Bear is currently in the midst of a 23 home run season with the New York Mets.

People in the Binghamton area will remember Alonso for playing on the Binghamton Rumble Ponies for parts of 2 seasons during his rise to the big leagues.

The home run derby is scheduled for Monday, July 18th.