PORT ST. LUCIE – Pete Alonso was not the only great voice of the Mets organization to disable its social media accounts in the off-season.
But the first baseman who went dark on Twitter and Instagram had nothing to do with the aftermath of a stock market saga, which was why owner Steve Cohen abandoned Twitter, and everything to do with a new view of life away from the screen.
“I think real life is absolutely fantastic and for me, I think life is a blessing, it is something that I feel that many people, sometimes including myself, take for granted,” said Alonso on Friday after a workout . “And I want to spend every second absorbing each day because each new day is a blessing, and I feel that, especially after what happened last year, there are many things that I feel have been taken for granted.
“In 2019, if you see everyone wearing this mask, you kind of scratch your head and you’re like, ‘Wow, what’s going on?’ But there are a number of new social norms in place now that we think are right. I think for me, I just want to say thank you every day. I want to live in real life. “
Alonso was one of the most active Mets interacting with fans through social media, especially during his Rookie of the Year season in 2019, when he adopted “#LFGM” as the team’s new rallying cry.
Although he is no longer in touch with fans online, Alonso is looking forward to welcoming them in person at Citi Field this season. After playing in an empty stadium in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Mets should have at least a portion of Citi Field open to fans when the 2021 season begins.
“Playing on TV is absolutely fantastic, but being there in person where a baton strike or making a diving move or hitting someone, you can make many people smile, stand up, clap, clap and scream, even just something, ”said Alonso, with a big smile appearing. “Since I heard 40,000 people at Citi Field go crazy, this is an adrenaline rush I’m addicted to.
“I can’t wait until it’s packed again like this. If it’s 25%, 30%, I can’t wait to hear people cheer in person again. For me, it’s addictive and I love it. “