Alonso Silences Yankees Fan with Debut Homer in Orioles Win

New Orioles slugger Pete Alonso responds to heckler with two-run blast in spring training victory over New York.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 11:28am

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In his first game with the Baltimore Orioles, newly signed slugger Pete Alonso hit a two-run homer to lead his team to a 2-0 win over the New York Yankees. The blast came after a Yankees fan had taunted Alonso, saying "He couldn't make it in New York." Alonso's big hit in the sixth inning proved the fan wrong and announced the former Mets star's arrival in Baltimore.

Why it matters

Alonso's move from the Mets to the Orioles was one of the biggest free agent signings of the offseason, as the power-hitting first baseman looks to bring his big bat to the AL East. His debut homer against the rival Yankees sets up an intriguing new storyline in the divisional rivalry, with Alonso looking to prove he can thrive outside of New York.

The details

In the third inning, Alonso nearly recorded his first hit as an Oriole, but Yankees prospect Kenedy Corona made a diving catch to rob him. Alonso didn't let that slow him down, though. In the sixth, he jumped on the first pitch he saw from Bradley Hanner and crushed a two-run homer to left-center field to give Baltimore a 2-0 lead, which held up as the final score.

  • Alonso's first at-bat as an Oriole came in the third inning.
  • Alonso hit his two-run homer in the sixth inning.

The players

Pete Alonso

A 31-year-old first baseman who signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason after spending his first seven MLB seasons with the New York Mets.

Kenedy Corona

A New York Yankees prospect who made a diving catch to rob Alonso of a hit in the third inning of the game.

Bradley Hanner

The New York Yankees pitcher who gave up Alonso's two-run homer in the sixth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Orioles and Yankees will face off several more times this season, giving Alonso more opportunities to prove himself against his former division rivals.

The takeaway

Alonso's debut homer for the Orioles not only silenced a heckler but also served notice that the slugger remains a force to be reckoned with, even after leaving the bright lights of New York. His arrival in Baltimore adds an intriguing new chapter to the Orioles-Yankees rivalry.