Pete Alonso
A slugging first baseman who electrified New York by breaking the rookie home run record with raw, Polar Bear power.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American baseball player·Birthday: December 7·Millennials
Biography
Pete Alonso arrived in the majors with the force of a summer storm, his swing generating awe-inspiring power. In 2019, his debut season with the New York Mets wasn't just good; it was historic, as he smashed the rookie home run record, a feat that earned him the nickname 'Polar Bear' and the adoration of a city. His approach is uncomplicated: see ball, crush ball, with a joyful intensity that makes every at-bat an event. Beyond the statistics, he became a clubhouse leader and a philanthropic force, notably creating a charity to support families of fallen first responders. Alonso's career is a testament to the impact of pure, unadulterated power paired with genuine heart.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Pete was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Pete Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Pete's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set the MLB rookie record with 53 home runs in the 2019 season.
- Won the 2019 National League Rookie of the Year award unanimously.
- Won the 2021 and 2022 MLB Home Run Derby contests.
- Has been selected as a multiple-time MLB All-Star.
Did You Know?
His 'Polar Bear' nickname was given to him by a Mets coach due to his large frame and light hair.
He proposed to his wife, Haley, on the field at Citi Field after a game.
He won the 2019 MLB Players Association's Heart & Hustle Award for his dedication on and off the field.
He played college baseball for the Florida Gators, winning the 2017 College World Series.
“I'm not trying to hit home runs. I'm just trying to hit the ball hard.”
