NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES: METS VS DODGERS

October 16, 2024

Pete Alonso

Citi Field

New York Mets

Pregame 3 Press Conference

Q. You are seven wins away from a World Series championship. Does it feel that way?

PETE ALONSO: Honestly, we're just taking it one day at a time. And how we've gotten to this point is just focusing on the moment and staying in the moment, not necessarily getting too ahead of ourselves. We're just taking it one day at a time. That's it.

And we're doing whatever we can to win every pitch, win every inning. If we can continue to focus on that, hopefully we keep doing that until they tell us there's no more baseball left.

Q. Separately, when you're playing first base, you've been very good this year, in particular, at scooping throws. How much do you pride yourself on that aspect of defense, in particular?

PETE ALONSO: Yeah, I mean, I take every part of my game seriously, whether that's offensively, defensively, base running or just trying to pick certain things up in the game and take advantage of opportunities.

And for me, I just want to be the best defender I can, because that helps the team.

Q. What has J.D. meant to you guys this year? Obviously he hasn't had a huge role in this postseason, but just his experience, his leadership, his baseball acumen, what's he meant to the team in general?

PETE ALONSO: He's been super important for us. I mean, he's definitely helped a lot of the guys out with certain things, whether that be game planning, mechanics or just watching guys' swings.

He's had an incredible career, he has an incredible understanding of the swing. Also he's had some really big swings for us this year. He's had some really amazing moments to help us get to where we are. He's had some big at-bats.

He's really helped us out a lot this year with some big games he's had. And then also, too, just like how he is as a veteran.

Q. What were your impressions of Yamamoto when you faced him for the first time this year?

PETE ALONSO: He's got good stuff. He's got a really good arm. Yeah, he's a super polished guy.

But today we've got Buehler. We've got to focus on one guy at a time, one day at a time.

I think for right now, that's pretty much been the MO for us this entire season, not get too far ahead of ourselves and do whatever we can to win the day.

Today we've got Buehler. After the game today, then that's when we'll start prepping and worrying about Yamamoto. But today we've got Walker.

Q. With the Dodgers in the building here today, does it cross your mind at all that the last time they were here was the time you guys got together and started to turn around the season?

PETE ALONSO: Not particularly. Like, for us I think that we're in a way different spot. We're a different team than where we were at.

I think for us, we're right where we're supposed to be. So we're all obviously really excited. Today is a great opportunity for us.

Q. You've got your hat on, your pumpkin shirt on. Somebody might think some of these memes are a little goofy. Why do you guys like them, enjoy them and which one is your favorite?

PETE ALONSO: I just think it's really fun. I think this has just been an incredible and magical ride. Every single one of us is having a blast.

So that's why -- whether it's OMG, whether it's Grimace or the Playoff Pumpkin -- every team has a thing, whether it be playoff beards or whatever. It's pretty much unanimous in every sport.

But it's just the whole group is just having a blast. So that's pretty much what all this signifies.

Q. Now that the hoodie is super sick, where do you keep the pumpkin?

PETE ALONSO: It's in my locker right now.

Q. It goes on the road, right?

PETE ALONSO: Oh, yeah. What I do, I always take it with me. On the road I've taken it back to the hotel because I don't want any clubbies or anybody messing with it. It's kept safe every day.

Q. And it goes in your luggage?

PETE ALONSO: Oh, no, like, I carry it with me. Because it could be destroyed in my luggage.

Q. It's important cargo?

PETE ALONSO: Yes.