NEW YORK (AP) -- Polar Bear Pete is headed to the Home Run Derby.
New York Mets rookie Pete Alonso plans to compete in the power-hitting contest during All-Star week in Cleveland next month.
The big first baseman said Friday he accepted an invitation from Major League Baseball to participate July 8 regardless of whether he's selected to the National League squad for the game the following night.
''It's going to be awesome. I'm just really excited,'' Alonso said.
The 24-year-old slugger entered Friday tied for second in the majors with 27 home runs, an NL rookie record before the All-Star break and already a Mets rookie mark for a full season.