Roberto Alomar Through The Years

SI Staff | Jul 24, 2011

Roberto Alomar Through The Years /

Roberto Alomar Through The Years

A young Alomar warms up before a 1989 game at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. Alomar was drafted by the Padres in 1985 and made his major league debut in 1988. As a youngster, he was known for his flashy defense, speed on the base-paths and talents as a solid leadoff hitter. He made his first All-Star appearance as a reserve in 1990.

Alomar was an integral part of the Toronto team that won back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and '93. In '93, Alomar hit .326, third-best in the league.

Alomar is doused with champagne by his Blue Jay teammates while he was being interviewed after a World Series clinching victory versus the Atlanta Braves in 1992. It was Alomar's first World Series win, and he played a significant role in getting Toronto there. He was the ALCS MVP thanks in large part to a Game 4, game-tying two-run home run in the ninth inning off Oakland Athletic closer Dennis Eckersley, which led to a pivotal Blue Jays win.

Alomar plays catch before a 1994 spring training game in Dunedin, Fla., while with the Toronto Blue Jays. Alomar played for Toronto from 1991 to '95 after being traded from the San Diego Padres in a four-player deal for Joe Carter after the '90 season. He hit above .300 in four straight seasons as a Blue Jay.

Alomar's career as a second baseman ranks among the best offensively, as a speedy leadoff hitter with flashes of power, and as a more than reliable defensive player. He finished twice in the top 5 of MVP voting, had a career .300 batting average, 4 silver sluggers, 210 home runs and 474 stolen bases while adding 10 gold gloves.

Alomar spent three seasons in his prime as a member of the Baltimore Orioles. He was elected to three All-Star games, won two gold gloves and was awarded a silver slugger. But Alomar might best be remembered for spitting on umpire John Hirschbeck. In this photo, Alomar is held back by manager Davey Johnson after getting ejected from the game over a called third strike.

Alomar is joined on the field by fellow All-Stars from left, Alex Rodriguez, Joey Cora, and Edgar Martinez before the 1997 All-Star Game at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.

Alomar shares a moment with his brother Sandy before the 1992 All-Star game in San Diego. The Alomar brothers would spend six All-Star games together and four regular seasons playing on the same team.

Alomar, then a Baltimore Oriole, with the Most Valuable Player trophy at the 1998 All-Star game at Coors Field in Denver. Alomar hit a home run in the win for the American League, taking home the hardware a year after it had been awarded to his brother.

Alomar poses with fellow Puerto Rican and former teammate Candy Maldanado, right, and Derek Jeter.

Alomar was in Cleveland for only three seasons (1999-2001) but had arguably some of his better offensive years during that stint. He hit a career-best .323 with 63 home runs as an Indian. His third-place finish in the 1999 MVP voting was also a career high.

Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Alomar spent two seasons (2002-03) with the Mets. As a second baseman, he scooped up 10 Gold Glove awards.

Alomar slides back to first to avoid a pickoff attempt in a 2003 game against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Sky Dome in Toronto. He was traded midseason to the White Sox and struggled toward the end of his career, hitting a career low .258 that year.

The Arizona Diamondbacks were the seventh club to acquire Alomar.

Alomar hacks at a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during a 2004 game at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. The 2004 season was his last full year in the majors.

After signing a one-year-deal with Tampa, Alomar awaits a ground ball in a Spring Training game in St. Petersburg, Fla., in 2005. However, after a preseason plagued with injuries, he retired on March 19.

Alomar and his wife, Maria, and son, Roberto, at their home in Queens, N.Y., in 2010 on the day the Hall of Fame votes were announced. He missed being inducted by eight votes.

Alomar became the first Toronto Blue Jay, the third Puerto Rican and the 20th second baseman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Over his career, the switch-hitting Alomar won 10 Gold Gloves and was a 12-time All-Star. Alomar hit .300 over his career and won two World Series titles with the Jays.

Published Jul 24, 2011

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