This sponsored column was written as part of a paid partnership with Citi.

This second offseason was unique. There are silver linings to every situation that life throws at us. For me, I got to spend quality time with my fiancé and family. I haven’t had an Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day or Father’s Day at home in a long time. I got to be there with my family for my dad’s birthday. For the past seven-plus years, we’ve been spread out all over the map . Because of the pandemic, life stood still. It brought me closer to my family and it heightened my appreciation for everyone I hold dear.

What occurred during the second offseason changed the world. We don’t know how the world is going to look in the future. All we have to do is stay positive and attack each day. I couldn’t say that there would be baseball with 100% certainty during certain points. But I stayed ready the best I could honing my baseball skills. I spent hours in the cages, made huge strides defensively, and grinded in the weight room.

Not only did I work on my baseball skills, but my fiancé, Haley, and I wanted to create something to do good in the world. We created a foundation to help others and recognize heroes in our communities. We named the foundation Homers for Heroes. We could not be more excited about the people we can impact in a positive way. People have been going through some tough times and we want to make a positive, lasting impact. Throughout the season, we have some really exciting things in store!

I’m also super pumped to be working with Citi this year to bring greater good to the community and follow in some big footsteps as the next Citi Community Home Runs ambassador. The program is expanding this season, and for every home run the team hits both at Citi Field and on the road, Citi will donate $2,000 to No Kid Hungry, which provides meals to children living with hunger. It’s a great cause to support, and it makes each home run that much sweeter.

Also in partnership with Citi, I will be checking in with posts like this one throughout the season as a way to stay connected with my fans and the community. I’d love to answer some fan questions as part of them, so please send in your questions on Twitter using #AskAlonso, and I will do my best to answer as many as I can!

Whether it’s on the field or off the field, I want to be the best I can be. There are only two goals for this year: help people in need and win a World Series. I’ve been itching to play and compete every single day. Camp is going extremely well and the boys are ready. My excitement is through the roof to see what this season has in store! It’s going to be different not having people in the stands, but I promise you, we’ll be providing tons of energy that all viewers will feel at home. I hope everyone continues to stay safe!

As always,

LFGM

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