Peter Morgan Alonso Bio
Peter Morgan Alonso, commonly known as “Polar Bear”, is a professional baseball first baseman currently playing for the Baltimore Orioles in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on December 7, 1994, in Tampa, Florida, he gained prominence playing for the New York Mets before his current tenure with the Orioles. Alonso made his MLB debut in 2019 and quickly established himself as a top player, winning the NL Rookie of the Year Award the same year by hitting a record-setting 53 home runs as a rookie. He has been selected to the All-Star team multiple times and holds the Mets’ all-time record for home runs.
Early Life and Background
Peter Morgan Alonso was born on December 7, 1994, in Tampa, Florida. He attended Jesuit High School for his first two years and then transferred to Henry B. Plant High School to complete his education. During his early years, Alonso played lacrosse and football before deciding to focus solely on baseball, where he initially played as a third baseman. His family has a rich background, with his grandfather being a Spanish refugee who fled to the United States during the Spanish Civil War. Alonso’s father, Peter Matthew Alonso, and mother, Michelle Lynn Alonso, both played significant roles in his upbringing, with his mother being a student-athlete at Ohio Wesleyan University. Alonso later enrolled at the University of Florida, where he played college baseball for the Florida Gators. He was named All-Southeastern Conference in his freshman year and participated in the College World Series in both 2015 and 2016. His college career was marked by impressive performances, including a strong showing in summer leagues, which helped him prepare for a professional career.
Path to Baseball
The New York Mets selected Alonso in the second round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft with the 64th overall pick. He signed with the Mets for a $909,200 signing bonus and made his professional debut in 2016 with the Brooklyn Cyclones, where he posted a .322 batting average with 5 home runs and 21 RBIs in 30 games. His performance earned him a spot in the league’s All-Star Game. In 2017, he continued to impress with the St. Lucie Mets and later the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, showcasing his potential as a top prospect. By 2018, Alonso was ranked as New York’s fourth-best prospect and participated in the All-Star Futures Game.
Peter Morgan Alonso Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Alonso made his MLB debut on Opening Day in 2019 as the starting first baseman for the New York Mets. He quickly made headlines by hitting his first major league home run against the Miami Marlins and became the first player in MLB history with 11 extra-base hits in his first 10 career games. His outstanding performance during April earned him the National League Rookie of the Month Award. By June, he had broken several records, including the National League record for most home runs by a rookie before the All-Star break.
Breakthrough (2019)
Alonso’s rookie season in 2019 was historic. He finished the season with 53 home runs, leading all of Major League Baseball and breaking the previous record for rookies. His achievements included winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award and being named to the first team of the inaugural All-MLB Team. His performance in the Home Run Derby further solidified his status as a rising star in the league.
Notable Works and Milestones
Alonso’s signature work includes his record-setting 53 home runs in his rookie season, which led to multiple accolades, including the NL Rookie of the Year Award and five All-Star selections. He also became the Mets’ all-time franchise leader in home runs, showcasing his impact on the team.
Peter Morgan Alonso Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Peter Morgan Alonso has received numerous nominations for his outstanding performances, including multiple All-Star selections and recognition as the National League Rookie of the Year.
Peter Morgan Alonso Awards Won
Alonso has won several prestigious awards, including the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2019 and the Silver Slugger Award in 2025. His accolades reflect his significant contributions to the sport and his status as one of the top players in Major League Baseball.
Peter Morgan Alonso Family
Peter Morgan Alonso is married to Haley Walsh, whom he met in 2015. The couple has a son, born in October 2025. They were engaged in November 2018 and married on November 12, 2021.
Personal Life
Alonso is known for his philanthropic efforts, having co-founded The Alonso Foundation, which supports youth, veteran, and animal causes. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing and has been featured in media for his adventures. In 2022, he survived a serious car accident, which he described as a close call. Alonso’s nickname, “Polar Bear”, was given to him by teammate Todd Frazier during spring training in 2019, reflecting his impressive physique and presence on the field.