Roberto Alomar (Bing Images)
For the first time in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays’ franchise they are retiring the number of one of their all-time greats.
On July 31 against the Texas Rangers, the Blue Jays will retire the number twelve of future hall of fame second baseman Roberto Alomar.
Alomar, former Blue Jays’ General Manager Pat Gillick, and former Minnesota Twins’ pitcher Bert Blyleven are being inducted into Cooperstown on July 24. Former Montreal Expos’ broadcaster Dave Van Horne will also be awarded with the Ford Frick Award for outstanding lifetime contributions to baseball broadcasting.
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Alomar played with the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks from 1988-2004.
From 1991-95, Alomar was with the Blue Jays. Over those five years, he represented the Blue Jays in the All-Star Game each season and was also a Gold Glove Winner. He was an integral part of the only two World Series Championship teams the Toronto Blue Jays have ever had in 1992 and 1993.
Alomar’s best season as a Blue Jay came in 1993 when he hit .326, with 17 home runs and 93 runs batted in.
Alomar’s most significant hit in Toronto came during game four of the 1992 American League Championship Series, when he hit a two-run home run off of Oakland all-star closer Dennis Eckersley in the top of the ninth, to tie the game at six. The Blue Jays would win the game 7-6 on a Pat Borders sacrifice fly in the eleventh inning.
Note: The number 42 of Jackie Robinson was retired throughout Major League Baseball in 1997.
Tags: arizona diamondbacks, baltimore orioles, bert blyleven, chicago white sox, cleveland indians, dave van horne, dennis eckersley, jackie robinson, montreal expos, new york mets, pat borders, pat gillick, Roberto Alomar, san diego padres, texas rangers, toronto blue jays
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