Mets Pete Alonso Inspires ‘The Love of the Game’ Initiative Recognizing Area Organizations

NEW YORK – Three-time Major League Baseball All-Star and New York Mets First Baseman Pete Alonso, along with his wife Haley, and The Alonso Foundation have announced a new initiative recognizing and rewarding local community organizations and bringing them closer to the game of baseball.

Starting today, The Love of the Game initiative launches with several area organizations receiving grants from The Alonso Foundation along with 50 tickets plus food to an upcoming Mets game. Each organization will be distributing the tickets to their youth and family beneficiaries, many of whom have never been to a game, as well as receiving a grant via check presentation on-field before the game.

“Giving back to our community is who we are. It is super important for us to be able to do that in and around New York with so many special organizations that make an impact. We just want to be able to have them come out for a fun night at the park, and be recognized for all they do,” noted Pete.

Castle Hill Little League in the Bronx is the first Love of the Game recipient. On Wednesday, August 30, Pete surprised the league’s 11/12 year old division by coming to their practice, announcing a field refurbishment grant and offering the tickets to tonight’s game. Alonso Foundation partner PDQ Restaurants delivered boxed lunches and water for all the kids and volunteer coaches.

Additional organizations will have their day at the ballpark over the last few weeks of the season including Answer The Call (Answerthecall.org on September 11th, supporting families of fallen first responders), Rockaway Little League and Cadets Baseball Club (September 13th), and North Shore Animal League (animalleague.org on September 26th, bringing middle school students that are learning about the importance of animal adoption and rescue).

Citibank has also partnered with The Alonso Foundation to expand the initiative and invite additional organizations to receive a grant and game tickets. Junior Achievement of New York will attend on September 27th and Fort Green Council, Grace Agard Harewood Older Adults Center on September 30th.

Pete Alonso, the July winner of Major League Baseball’s Players’ Association ‘Most Valuable Philanthropist’ Award, will meet members of the media on Friday, September 1st to discuss the initiative and The Alonso Foundation’s commitment to doing good in the community. Press conference to commence at 4:30pm.

About The Alonso Foundation

In 2020, Haley and Pete Alonso were moved by the tremendous sacrifice being demonstrated by the multitude of heroes and frontline workers in our communities. They formed their foundation to honor these local heroes and build up the causes they care most deeply about – supporting our youth, veteran's needs, and animal welfare. The mission of 'standing up for those who can’t' remains their guiding philosophy for giving.

The Alonso Foundation aims to be the voice for those who can't speak up for themselves, partnering with organizations that are advocating for and providing relief to those in need. We vow to create lasting change in this world. We partner with extraordinary organizations around the country to provide direct support in each of these areas and more. The donations we make are typically unrestricted to offer other nonprofits the flexible funding needed most to scale their work in service of those that need it most. Additionally, we work with educators, legislators, and stakeholders at the state and local levels to work to drive the policy changes that will create positive impact.