NEW YORK — Pete Alonso is ensuring his playoff pumpkin is well protected as the excitement builds for the postseason.
The New York Mets’ powerful first baseman shared on Wednesday that his cherished pumpkin is safely stored in his locker at Citi Field, but that’s not where it stays all the time.
“What I do is I always travel with it. When I’m on the road, I take it back to the hotel because I don’t want anyone messing with it. It’s securely kept each and every day,” Alonso explained ahead of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He emphasized that the pumpkin is vital to him and doesn’t simply get tossed into his luggage.
“Oh no,” he insisted. “I actually carry it with me, because it could easily get damaged if it were in my bag.”
This quirky “playoff pumpkin,” as Alonso refers to it, is one among several lighthearted good-luck tokens that the wild-card Mets and their supporters have eagerly embraced as they make an unexpected journey deeper into October.
Alonso and his wife picked up this special Halloween-themed item during their visit to a farm in Wisconsin while the Mets were in town to face the Brewers in late September.
The pumpkin made a notable appearance during a wild celebration in the clubhouse following Alonso’s crucial homer in the ninth inning that was pivotal for New York in sealing their place in the Wild Card Series on October 3.
“I just think it’s really fun. This entire experience has been incredible and feels almost magical. Every one of us is really enjoying it,” Alonso remarked, wearing an “OMG” knit hat that pays tribute to teammate Jose Iglesias’ hit song.
“So that’s the reason — whether it’s the OMG, Grimace, or the playoff pumpkin — every team seems to have their own thing, be it playoff beards or other quirky traditions. It’s almost a universal practice in sports.”