HARRISON Bader is living his dream this season playing in his hometown alongside his ‘Diesel Brother’.
Bader’s life and career came full circle to land him on the New York Mets with a former college teammate.
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The 29-year-old was born in Bronxville, New York and played college baseball with Pete Alonso at Florida.
The duo was known as the “Diesel Brothers” during their time playing for the Florida Gators.
“Playing with someone I was really close to for several years at university was incredible,” Bader told The Sun.
“Coming full circle to the major leagues is honestly a dream come true.
“There’s really nothing like it for both of us and we both love playing this game.
“I’m so glad we have the chance to do this together for as long as possible.”
Alonso, also 29, has become a huge star since his debut in 2019.
He became known for his long-hitting home run power and earned the nickname “Polar Bear.”
Bader, meanwhile, made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017.
He spent five seasons there and two with the New York Yankees in 2022 and 2023.
After a short stint with the Cincinnati Reds last year, Bader became part of the New York Mets’ overhaul.
He signed a one-year deal worth $10.5 million earlier this year to re-team with Alonso.
“I always knew he would be a star,” Bader said of Alonso.
“The first time, I remember hearing that a big dumb first baseman from Tampa, Florida, was coming in and was going to play first base for us.
“I thought ‘everyone had to prove themselves and I wish him the best and see what he’s got’.
Home runs and boomsticks
MLB is back in London for the third time this summer when the Philadelphia Phillies take on the New York Mets.
The London Stadium will transform from a football field to a baseball field for the June 8th and 9th spectacle.
Fans attending games can indulge in some extravagant stadium menu items, like boomstick nachos (pictured) and a 2-foot boomstick hot dog.
The New York Yankees won both games in 2019 against the rival Boston Red Sox.
And the Chicago Cubs split their series with the St Louis Cardinals when the teams meet in 2023.
“But that first batting practice I knew right away how good he was.
“To be able to answer that call every day the way he did, he’s a stud and that’s why he’s been so successful and I have enormous respect for him.”
The highly successful duo will also board the same flight to London in a few weeks for an international clash.
The New York Mets face the Philadelphia Phillies in a two-game series in the United Kingdom on June 8th and 9th.
There’s really nothing like it for both of us and we both love playing this game.
Harrison Bader
Bader said: “I’ve never played the game I love abroad – I think it’s an incredible experience.
“Having the opportunity to travel the world is special, but being able to do it while playing, MLB has done a great job expanding the game beyond America.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a good show for the fans.”
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The New York Mets will face the Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB World Tour: London Series 2024 on June 8-9 at London Stadium. Tickets are now available at
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
