Pete Alonso is latest player with All-Star competition success

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso has the chance to build on his Home Run Derby lore when he participates in the competition for the fifth time Monday night.

If he wins, Alonso will tie Ken Griffey Jr. for the most Derby titles (three). Alonso has the most home runs in one round, smashing 35 in the first round in his 2021 victory.

In 2019, the year of his first Derby win, Alonso also hit a major-league-leading 53 home runs for the season — the most ever by a rookie. But even when he’s struggling, Alonso still shows up at the Derby.

His achievements are similar to those of athletes participating in all-star contests in other sports. They all have a special knack for the event.

Here’s a look at other players who find extra success in All-Star competitions.

Mac McClung

Competition: slam dunk contest

Years won: 2024, 2023

McClung burst onto the NBA dunk scene in 2023 with a win after signing a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. He had three perfect scores, matching Spud Webb in 1986 to become one of the only two players 6-foot-2 and under to do so, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

The next year, this time as a G-Leager, McClung surpassed himself in the final round. He jumped over Shaquille O’Neal for a reverse slam, earning the night’s only perfect score.

Competition: Home Run Derby

Years won: 2014, 2013

Cespedes didn’t make the 2013 All-Star Game, but he made his impact the night before, hitting 17 first-round home runs (which at the time ranked third in history) and beat Bryce Harper in the final round.

The then-Oakland Athletics left fielder became the first non-All-Star to win the event. The next year — this time with an All-Star berth — Cespedes blew past the field. He hit twice as many homers (28) as runner-up Jose Bautista to defend his title.

Prince Fielder

Competition: Home Run Derby

Years won: 2012, 2009

The six-time All-Star always showed out at the Derby, becoming the only participant to win in both the American and National leagues.

He outslugged Nelson Cruz in 2008’s final round and smashed 28 homers in 2012, eight more than runner-up Bautista. At the time, Fielder joined Griffey as the only players to win two Derbies.

Nate Robinson

Competition: slam dunk contest

Years won: 2010, 2009, 2006

There isn’t a more decorated slam dunk contest champion than the 5-foot-9 Robinson — his three wins are the most all time. Robinson always found a way to amaze the crowd with his hops.

In 2006, he jumped over Webb for a slam and defeated Andre Iguodala by one point in a dunk-off. Robinson topped himself in 2009, jumping over 6-foot-11 Dwight Howard for his final dunk to earn a perfect 50. And he defended his title in 2010 with an off-the-backboard reverse slam.

Jason Kapono

Competition: 3-point contest

Years won: 2008, 2007

The sharpshooter led the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage in both seasons he won the 3-point contest, and his performances proved that wasn’t a fluke.

Kapono swished 24 3-pointers in 2007’s final round, tying Mark Price’s final-round record. A year later, he broke that mark after netting 25, which tied him with Craig Hodges for the most in any round.