Shocked by Mets’ Pride: Pete Alonso Faces Boycott Crisis from Fan Community

A seemingly well-intentioned moment meant to celebrate diversity and inclusion during a recent New York Mets game at Citi Field has instead sparked intense controversy. At the center of it all is Pete Alonso, one of the Mets’ most recognizable faces, who participated in a Pride-themed stunt that took place during the national anthem—a move that has ignited fierce public debate and raised deeper questions about the intersection of sports and social advocacy.

As the dust settles, fans, media, and even MLB executives are weighing in, attempting to make sense of a moment that has polarized a nation.

The Incident That Divided the Crowd

During a packed evening game at Citi Field, fans anticipated a routine patriotic moment as the national anthem echoed throughout the stadium. Instead, what followed caught many by surprise: as the anthem played, a group of individuals carrying rainbow flags entered the field, and a vibrant Pride visual was displayed on the stadium’s giant screen. Among them stood Pete Alonso, donning a shirt emblazoned with the phrase “New York Is Love”.

While some fans applauded the symbolic message of LGBTQ+ support, others saw the timing of the display—during the national anthem—as disrespectful. Social media instantly erupted with divided reactions, and hashtags such as #BoycottMLB and #StandWithAlonso began trending.

The Longstanding Relationship Between Sports and Activism

Athletes have never been strangers to activism. From Muhammad Ali’s Vietnam War protest to Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling during the anthem, sports have long been a platform for challenging social norms and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Major League Baseball, like other major sports leagues, has in recent years adopted a more progressive tone. Initiatives like Pride Night, special edition uniforms, and charity collaborations are now common. However, the location and timing of such gestures—especially during sacred moments like the national anthem—remain a lightning rod for controversy.

“It’s not about the message,” said one fan outside Citi Field after the game. “It’s about respecting traditions. The national anthem should be a unifying moment, not a political platform.”

Fan Reactions: Applause, Outrage, and Boycotts

The public response to the Pride anthem stunt was swift—and split.

Supporters Praise Inclusivity

Many fans lauded the Mets and Alonso for their courage in supporting LGBTQ+ rights, especially at a time when such stances can provoke backlash.

“That moment made me feel seen,” said one attendee who identified as non-binary. “Seeing a major athlete like Pete Alonso standing up during a Pride moment meant everything.”

Supporters argued that sports can and should reflect society’s evolving values, and that choosing to highlight diversity during the anthem is a legitimate and powerful use of the platform.

Critics Call for Accountability

On the other end of the spectrum, critics viewed the move as a misstep. Some went as far as accusing the Mets and MLB of disrespecting the flag and the nation. Several posts on social media called for fans to boycott games, cancel MLB.TV subscriptions, and write to league executives demanding an apology.

“I’m a Mets fan, but this crossed a line,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “There’s a time and a place for activism. Don’t mess with the anthem.”

Pete Alonso: Star First Baseman Turned Controversial Advocate

Pete Alonso, known affectionately as the “Polar Bear,” has consistently used his platform to promote positive social change. He’s championed causes ranging from mental health awareness to veteran support, and he’s long been vocal about supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.

For Alonso, the Pride-themed anthem moment wasn’t a political stunt—it was a statement of unity, compassion, and love.

“Baseball is for everyone,” Alonso told reporters after the game. “New York is love. I believe in making this game and this world more inclusive.”

Yet despite his good intentions, Alonso now finds himself in an uncomfortable position: praised by progressives, vilified by traditionalists, and potentially facing questions from team management and league officials.

MLB’s Role: Progressive Intentions, Divided Results

The MLB has steadily increased its public alignment with progressive causes over the past decade. The league has participated in Pride Month celebrations, honored Jackie Robinson Day, and supported initiatives focused on mental health and racial equity.

However, the execution of such gestures matters.

By choosing to align a Pride-themed display with the national anthem, MLB may have unintentionally created a moment where patriotism and progress collided in a way that alienated parts of its fanbase.

“We support diversity and inclusion in every form,” said an anonymous MLB executive when reached for comment. “That said, we’re also evaluating how such events are framed and presented moving forward.”

The Larger Question: Can Sports Please Everyone Anymore?

The Citi Field incident is part of a broader question that continues to challenge modern sports leagues: Can they stay neutral? Should they?

In the age of social media and political polarization, every move is scrutinized. No gesture is apolitical. And every athlete who speaks out, like Alonso, must brace for both admiration and attack.

For traditionalists, the national anthem is a sacred moment that should remain untouched. For progressives, it’s an ideal platform to promote visibility and unity. Neither perspective is inherently wrong—but they are increasingly difficult to reconcile.

Players React: Silence, Support, and Side-Eyes

Interestingly, other Mets players have largely stayed silent about the incident. When pressed by media, some declined to comment, while others offered vague support for Alonso’s “freedom to express himself.”

Former players, however, have been more vocal.

“I stand with Pete,” said one former Mets All-Star on a podcast. “But I also get the backlash. You’re not going to win everyone over.”

Media Frenzy and National Attention

Cable news segments, opinion columns, and countless podcasts have dissected every angle of the Citi Field stunt. Some conservative outlets decried the “woke takeover of sports,” while liberal commentators praised Alonso’s bravery.

The story has moved beyond baseball—it’s become a flashpoint in the culture wars, one that may influence future MLB programming and sponsorship decisions.

What Happens Next?

The fallout from the event is ongoing:

• MLB officials are reportedly reviewing guidelines for anthem presentations moving forward.

• Pete Alonso may face internal meetings, though there are no signs of punishment.

• The New York Mets organization has issued no formal apology but acknowledged the “passionate feedback from all sides.”

• Fan protests have begun outside Citi Field, though turnout has been modest.

A Moment That Will Be Remembered

Whether one applauds or condemns it, what happened at Citi Field was historic. It reminded the public of two truths:

1. Sports are no longer just games—they’re cultural battlefields.

2. Athletes like Pete Alonso now carry the dual burden of performance and public messaging.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, the shadow of this moment will linger. And while Alonso remains focused on helping the Mets chase a postseason berth, the world will continue to watch—not just his home runs, but his heart.