Darryl Strawberry gets blunt about Pete Alonso 'down goes straw' home run message

New York Mets icon Darryl Strawberry spoke about Pete Alonso writing, "Down Goes Straw!" on his record-breaking home run.

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets former player Darryl Strawberry is interviewed game five of the World Series against the Kansas City Royals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

At one point in an August 10 article from Mike Puma of the New York Post, New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso spoke about his relationship with Mets legend Darryl Strawberry.

“The fact that [Strawberry and I] have an in-person, face-to-face relationship is awesome,” Alonso said. “He’s just one of those guys that means so much to this organization.”

Read more: Pete Alonso sends 7-word message about Mets future after home run record

Of course, the reason Alonso was being asked about Strawberry is because, at that point, Alonso and Strawberry were tied at 252 home runs in their respective Mets careers, which is the most in franchise history. Since then, Alonso has hit two home runs, thus cementing him as the franchise's all-time home run leader.

Aug 12, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) runs after hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Pete Alonso Writes "Down Goes Straw!" On Record Home Run Ball

After the August 12 game when Alonso broke the Mets' franchise record, he was presented his record home run ball by a fan. Along with signing his autograph, Alonso wrote several messages on the ball, including one that wrote, "Down Goes Straw!"

This is an obvious nod to Darryl Strawberry, as he just surpassed his home run record. Alonso then posted with the ball where all of the messages are written, and the photo has been making waves on social media.

I can't get over this. I am not a Pete Alonso hater. I am generally neutral on him (even though he's a Met, I have no specific hatred of him).

Why did he write "Down Goes Straw" on this ball? Maybe he didn't write it? It's unfathomably lame. Have some respect. pic.twitter.com/kSob8eMamd

— Spike Eskin (@SpikeEskin) August 14, 2025

Many fans have expressed frustration over Alonso deciding to write what could be seen as a subtle shot as Strawberry, such a short time after breaking what must have been a sentimental record for the New York legend.

Darryl Strawberry Speaks on Alonso's "Down Goes Straw" Message

Darryl Strawberry was a guest on an August 14 episode of Sal Licata and Brandon Tierney's WFAN sports radio show. And at one point in the interview, Strawberry was asked his opinion on Alonso writing that message on his record home run ball.

"No, I don't have an issue with that," Strawberry said of what Alonso wrote. "Like I said, I'm not here to critique players. They have their right to do whatever they need to do. And if that's the way he feels about it, then more power to him.

"I'm happy for him, he's a good kid, he wants to win, he's trying his best to do the best he can with what he has. Especially what he has been through, going through free agency, nobody wants [that]," Strawberry added.

Did Darryl Strawberry have any issue with the "Down goes Straw" inscription on Pete Alonso's HR ball? He shares his thoughts with @BrandonTierney and @sal_licata: pic.twitter.com/4Df7ZjAVlV

— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) August 14, 2025

Props to Strawberry for taking the high road with his sentiment—or at least with what he said publicly.