Mets Fans Chant 'Fire Stearns' After Alonso's 300th Homer in 11-Inning Loss
Updated
Updated · Defector · Sep 16
Mets Fans Chant 'Fire Stearns' After Alonso's 300th Homer in 11-Inning Loss
3 articles · Updated · Defector · Sep 16
Summary
Tuesday’s return game for Pete Alonso turned into a protest as Mets fans again chanted “Fire Stearns” after the former slugger tied the game with his 300th career home run.
The backlash came a day after New York’s playoff elimination and reflected anger over a $340 million roster that missed the postseason, with Alonso’s departure becoming a symbol of the club’s failed season.
David Stearns, who has run baseball operations since 2024, drew blame from fans who link him to Alonso not being re-signed and to the Mets’ league-worst first-base production after Jorge Polanco played only 37 games.
Sean Manaea said cheering an opposing player that way was “crazy” and “different,” while Kodai Senga, who allowed the homer, said the reaction showed how much Alonso was loved.
The scene has already fueled a split among Mets fans online, underscoring how a disappointing season is ending in recrimination despite a wave of promising young players.