New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso made waves across the sports world Monday morning after declaring he would not be participating in Pride Month celebrations this June, calling modern LGBTQ+ advocacy “WOKE” and “not something that deserves to be commemorated.” The statement, made during a press availability ahead of the Mets’ home series against the Phillies, has drawn immediate reaction from fans, media outlets, and advocacy groups across the country.

“This isn’t about hate,” Alonso said when asked about the Mets’ upcoming Pride Night. “But I’m not going to pretend to celebrate something that’s no longer about equality or inclusion. It’s become a corporate virtue signal, a WOKE movement that pressures people to conform. That’s not authentic, and that’s not me.”

Alonso, 30, clarified that he believes in treating all people with dignity, but added that “June doesn’t need to be about pushing identity politics down everyone’s throat.”

His statements come just as MLB teams across the league kick off their annual Pride initiatives — including rainbow-themed uniforms, charitable campaigns, and in-stadium events — which have become an established part of the baseball calendar since 2019.

Immediate Fallout

The reaction to Alonso’s comments was swift and sharply divided.

Supporters, particularly from conservative and libertarian groups, praised Alonso’s statement as “brave” and “refreshing” in a climate they argue punishes dissenting opinions. Popular podcast host Clay Bennett tweeted, “Pete Alonso just hit a home run for free speech. Enough with the forced political theater in sports.”

Conversely, LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and many Mets fans expressed deep disappointment.

“Pride Month exists because LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination, including in sports,” said Kevin D’Angelo, director of Pride in Sports. “For someone with Alonso’s platform to call that ‘not worth commemorating’ minimizes the lived experience of millions.”

The Human Rights Campaign issued a public statement urging MLB to reaffirm its support for inclusion, while dozens of fans took to social media calling for the Mets to distance themselves from Alonso’s remarks.

Mets Organization Responds

Within hours of Alonso’s comments, the New York Mets issued a carefully worded statement:

“The New York Mets remain committed to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Our Pride Night on June 10 will go on as planned. While we respect every player’s right to their beliefs, we believe baseball is for everyone.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza declined to elaborate when asked about the incident, saying only, “We support diversity and unity in the clubhouse. That’s all I’ll say right now.”

Inside sources report that team leadership has requested a meeting with Alonso to discuss the implications of his remarks, though no disciplinary action is expected.

History of Advocacy… and Division

Ironically, Pete Alonso has previously been seen as one of MLB’s more socially aware players. In 2019, he famously ordered custom cleats honoring 9/11 first responders, and he’s publicly supported veterans’ charities and anti-bullying campaigns. His current stance on Pride Month, however, marks a clear break from the league’s trend toward social inclusivity.

Some analysts see this as part of a broader cultural shift.

“We’re watching a new front in the culture war unfold inside sports,” said Dr. Lauren Cheng, professor of sociology and sports culture at NYU. “As leagues and brands embrace progressive values, we’ll see more pushback from athletes who feel alienated or skeptical. Alonso’s comments are not isolated — they’re part of a growing resistance to what some call ‘mandatory activism.’”

Player Reaction

As of Tuesday morning, few players had commented publicly on Alonso’s remarks. However, a source close to the Mets’ locker room described a “tense atmosphere,” especially among younger teammates who have supported Pride efforts in the past.

MLB veteran and outspoken advocate Jason Heyward posted a cryptic message on Instagram: “Inclusion isn’t ‘WOKE’ — it’s human. Silence or sarcasm doesn’t make you strong.”

Others around the league, such as San Diego’s Joe Musgrove and Toronto’s Kevin Kiermaier, voiced general support for Pride Month but stopped short of criticizing Alonso directly.

MLB has not yet issued an official statement, though internal discussions are reportedly underway.

The Larger Debate

Alonso’s comments are fueling renewed debate about the role of athletes in social and political discourse. Should they be expected to support causes promoted by their teams and leagues? Or should their personal boundaries be respected — even when they conflict with public values?

Sports media personality Jalen Ruiz, speaking on ESPN’s First Pitch Live, summarized the dilemma:

“We’re in a moment where silence is political, and so is speech. Pete Alonso is now the face of a brewing backlash against Pride Month in sports. Whether you agree or not, this conversation isn’t going away.”

What’s Next?

Alonso has not indicated whether he plans to further clarify his position or issue a follow-up statement. For now, he remains firm in his stance:

“I’m here to play baseball. I’m not here to be anyone’s spokesperson — on either side.”

As the Mets prepare for a crucial stretch of summer games, the focus on Alonso may shift from his bat to his beliefs — a reflection of how modern athletes are increasingly caught in the intersection of performance and politics.