Peter and Haley Alonso understand the value of having a public voice. In seven weeks, MLB’s schedule awakens from its winter slumber.
Spring training begins, don’t you know? A half dozen weeks of practices and exhibition games aim to sharpen the skills of all players of all 30 ball clubs. For the New York Mets and their all-star first baseman (and Tampa native) Pete Alonso, his club’s 30-game spring schedule kicks off on February 25.
The Mets are scheduled for a split-squad day. Part of those invited to participate with the big club for spring training will host the Miami Marlins at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, and a second group will bus it to West Palm Beach for a game with the reigning World Series Champion Houston Astros.
However, before New York’s 16-game home schedule at Clover Park gets underway, Alonso, 28, and his bride of just over one year has an important date planned for January 14 over on South Himes Avenue, at Henry B. Plant High School in Tampa.
Alonso’s Battle at the Bay sponsored by his foundation is promising a day of fun-filled events. Youth baseball and softball players from the Greater Tampa area will compete in their very own home run derby. But swatting round-trippers is just one of many events that are planned, with all proceeds benefiting the Alonso Foundation.
"Back in 2021 (Alonso Foundation) held an event in Brooklyn,"said Alonso Foundation Director Seth Leeds during a recent phone conversation. "We had a home run derby, and that was cool. Beginning in 2022, we wanted to rebrand our signature event, and make it bigger, and focusing on supporting veterans, area youth and animal welfare."
Leeds emphasizes that there will be something for everyone coming out to support the Foundation’s causes. There will be inflatables for kids to enjoy, food, and games for participants to keep busy with.
"In baseball’s off-season, this is the event we want to plant our flag in," Leeds declares. "Refurbishing youth baseball fields for the Tampa community is part of our goal."
Armed with 30-plus volunteers and four core sponsors (Topps, Fanatics, Citi and Nike), Battle at the Bay also has PDQ Restaurants and Dugout Mugs participating in this charitable event.
Along with the attention and expectations of an MLB superstar that has won the National League Rookie of the Year (2019), twice selected to the MLB All-Star Game, and Home Run Derby (2019 & 2021), the Alonsos have channeled their celebrity to make a difference away from stadiums.
"Coming out of COVID, the Foundation wanted to give back to the frontline heroes (local doctors, nurses, and others). Veterans who sacrifice for our country and animal lovers who rescue abandoned pets are who we want to help,“ Leeds explains.
Alonso, who while playing for the West Tampa Little League clubbed his first home run years back, wants to see current youth players gain the same positive memories he experienced, in a safe environment. Battle at the Bay is all about giving back by a baseball superstar that has a long memory of growing up in the Tampa area.
The cherry on top of the Alonso Foundation’s Battle at the Bay will feature the home run exhibition by Alonso and Plant alumni who have MLB service. For the latest details on who will participate in the exhibition, visit alonsofoundation.org.
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