Pete Alonso’s Remarkable Streak in MLB Home Run Derby Continues with Back-to-Back Wins

New York Mets‘ star player Pete Alonso has made history once again by clinching consecutive victories at the MLB Home Run Derby. Alonso, a former collegiate baseball standout at Florida, secured his second straight title at the highly anticipated event held at Coors Field in Denver. His back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2021 mark a remarkable feat, making him the first ex-college baseball athlete to achieve this accomplishment.

Alonso’s impressive run in the Home Run Derby puts him in an elite group of only 13 players who have managed to claim the top spot in the event since its inception in 1985. Noteworthy names like Ken Griffey Jr. and Yoenis Cespedes had previously defended their titles successfully, but Alonso’s double triumph sets him apart in MLB history.

Reflecting on past champions who also played college baseball, a list of luminaries emerges. Legends like Wally Joyner, Andre Dawson, Mark McGwire, Frank Thomas, Barry Bonds, Tino Martinez, Luis Gonzalez, Jason Giambi, Ryan Howard, Todd Frazier, Aaron Judge, and Bryce Harper all carved out impressive careers after shining on the collegiate stage.

Among the notable NCAA conferences represented by these Home Run Derby champions are the Pac-12 and the SEC. Alonso’s exceptional display not only showcases his prowess but underlines the talent that stems from collegiate baseball programs across different divisions and conferences in the NCAA.