Former 51s slugger Pete Alonso NL Rookie of the Year

By Jake Seiner The Associated Press

5 years ago

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2019, file photo, New York Mets' Pete Alonso reacts after hitting a ho ... — FILE – In this Sept. 28, 2019, file photo, New York Mets’ Pete Alonso reacts after hitting a home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, in New York. Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and Houston Astros slugger Yordan Álvarez have been picked as this year’s top rookies by Baseball Digest. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Houston Astros’ Yuli Gurriel (10) celebrates with Yordan Alvarez past Washington Nationals catcher Yan Gomes after his home run during the second inning of Game 7 of the baseball World Series Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman is congratulated by Yordan Alvarez after hitting a home run during the first inning of Game 6 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Houston Astros’ Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve huddle after Game 7 of the baseball World Series against the Washington Nationals Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019, in Houston. The Nationals won 6-2 to win the series. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

NEW YORK — Pete Alonso of the New York Mets has been selected NL Rookie of the Year.

Alonso led the majors with 53 home runs and earned 29 of 30 first-place votes in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America revealed Monday night. The other first-place vote went to runner-up Mike Soroka, a right-hander with the Atlanta Braves.

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Álvarez took all 30 first-place votes in the AL, becoming the 24th unanimous pick.

Alonso’s home run total was one better than Yankees star Aaron Judge’s rookie record in 2017. “Polar Bear” Pete became the face of baseball in Flushing, beloved for his power, personality and philanthropy — he gifted $100,000 from his All-Star Home Run Derby prize to charities supporting injured soldiers and 9/11 workers.

The slugging first baseman is the sixth Met to win the award and first since teammate Jacob deGrom in 2014.

Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. finished third in the NL voting.

Álvarez, a 22-year-old from Cuba, played 87 games after debuting in June, fewest by any position player to win AL Rookie of the Year. He hit 27 homers, batted .313, drove in 78 and had a 1.067 OPS for the pennant-winning Astros. He struggled at times in the postseason, but that was after voting had concluded.