View source for Roberto Alomar

{{short description|Puerto Rican baseball player (born 1968)}}
{{family name hatnote|Alomar|Velázquez|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Roberto Alomar
|image=Roberto Alomar 2011.jpg
|image_size=250px
|caption=Alomar in 2011
|position=[[Second baseman]]
|bats=Switch
|throws=Right
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1968|2|5|mf=y}}
|birth_place=[[Ponce, Puerto Rico]]
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=April 22
|debutyear=1988
|debutteam=San Diego Padres
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=September 5
|finalyear=2004
|finalteam=Chicago White Sox
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label=[[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value=.300
|stat2label=[[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
|stat2value=2,724
|stat3label=[[Home run]]s
|stat3value=210
|stat4label=[[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat4value=1,134
|stat5label=[[Stolen base]]s
|stat5value=474
|teams=
* [[San Diego Padres]] ({{mlby|1988}}–{{mlby|1990}})
* [[Toronto Blue Jays]] ({{mlby|1991}}–{{mlby|1995}})
* [[Baltimore Orioles]] ({{mlby|1996}}–{{mlby|1998}})
* [[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|1999}}–{{mlby|2001}})
* [[New York Mets]] ({{mlby|2002}}–{{mlby|2003}})
* [[Chicago White Sox]] ({{mlby|2003}})
* [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] ({{mlby|2004}})
* [[Chicago White Sox]] ({{mlby|2004}})
|highlights=
* 12× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[1990 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1990]]–[[2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2001]])
* 2× [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|1992}}, {{wsy|1993}})
* [[ALCS MVP]] ({{alcsy|1992}})
* 10× [[Gold Glove Award]] (1991–1996, 1998–2001)
* 4× [[Silver Slugger Award]] (1992, 1996, 1999, 2000)
* [[Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame]]
|hoflink = National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
|hoftype = National
|hofdate=[[2011 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting|2011]]
|hofvote=90.0% (second ballot)
}}
'''Roberto Alomar Velázquez''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|æ|l|əm|ɑr}}; {{IPA|es|aloˈmaɾ}}; born February 5, 1968)<ref name="latino">{{cite book|last=Porter|first=David L.|title=Latino and African American athletes today: a biographical dictionary|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|year=2004|page=20|isbn=978-0-313-32048-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0LSZX4z6WZAC&pg=PA10|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref> is a [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]] former [[second baseman]] who played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for seventeen seasons. He is regarded as one of the greatest second basemen in baseball history and overall players of his generation.<ref name="espn">{{cite news |title=12-time All-Star retires; has back, vision problems |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2017030&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=ESPN |publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures |date=March 19, 2005 |access-date=May 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090131130100/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2017030&CMP=OTC-DT9705204233 |archive-date=January 31, 2009 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="hardball">{{cite web |first=Matthew |last=Namee |title=Roberto Alomar: A Forgotten Legend? |url=http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/roberto-alomar-a-forgotten-legend/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090414184733/http://hardballtimes.com/main/article/roberto-alomar-a-forgotten-legend |work=The Hardball Times |date=June 28, 2004 |archive-date=April 14, 2009 |access-date=May 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> During his career, the 12-time [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] won more [[Rawlings Gold Glove Award|Gold Glove Awards]] (10) than any other second baseman in baseball history, in addition to winning four [[Silver Slugger Award]]s for his hitting.<ref>{{cite web |title=Silver Slugger Award Winners – National League |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/silver_slugger_nl.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418001230/http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/silver_slugger_nl.shtml |work=Baseball-Reference.com |archive-date=April 18, 2009 |access-date=May 23, 2009 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Among second basemen, he ranks third in [[games played]] (2,320), fifth in [[stolen base]]s (474), sixth in [[plate appearance]]s (10,400), seventh in [[double (baseball)|doubles]] (504) and [[assist (baseball)|assists]] (6,524), and eighth in [[hit (baseball)|hits]] (2,724), [[run (baseball)|runs]] (1,508), [[at bat|at-bat]]s (9,073), and [[double play]]s turned (1,407). In [[2011 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting|2011]], Alomar was inducted into the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|National Baseball Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |author-link=Tyler Kepner |date=January 5, 2011 |title=Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven Elected to Hall of Fame |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/sports/baseball/06hall.html |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

The son of MLB second baseman [[Sandy Alomar Sr.]], Alomar followed in his father's footsteps, signing with the [[San Diego Padres]] as an amateur free agent in 1985. He made his major league debut with the team three years later, establishing himself as an exceptional base-stealing, hitting, and fielding threat before becoming an All-Star in 1990. He was traded to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] the following off-season, leading the team to three consecutive [[American League Championship Series]] (ALCS) appearances and being named the 1992 [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|ALCS Most Valuable Player]] (MVP), culminating in back-to-back [[World Series]] championships in [[1992 World Series|1992]] and [[1993 World Series|1993]]. Alomar signed with the [[Baltimore Orioles]] after the 1995 season, led the team to two ALCS appearances, and won the 1998 [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|All-Star Game MVP Award]] in his final year with the team. He then joined the [[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] for three seasons and had the most productive years of his career in 1999 and 2001, again leading his team to the playoffs and becoming an [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|AL MVP Award]] finalist both years. Alomar spent the final years of his career with the [[New York Mets]], the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] and the [[Chicago White Sox]], before retiring at [[spring training]] in 2005. A [[switch hitter]], Alomar finished his career with a .300 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]]. Shortly after his 2011 Hall of Fame induction, the Blue Jays retired his number 12.

In 2021, Alomar was [[List of people banned from Major League Baseball|banned from baseball]] by MLB following an independent investigation into an allegation of sexual misconduct, dating back to 2014.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Matheson |first=Keegan |date=April 30, 2021 |title=MLB puts Roberto Alomar on Ineligible List |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-puts-roberto-alomar-on-ineligible-list |access-date=30 April 2021 |publisher=[[Major League Baseball]] |quote=At my office's request, an independent investigation was conducted by an external legal firm to review an allegation of sexual misconduct reported by a baseball industry employee earlier this year involving Mr. Alomar in 2014.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Davidi |first1=Shi |date=April 30, 2021 |title=MLB, Blue Jays sever ties with Roberto Alomar after sexual misconduct investigation |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/mlb-puts-roberto-alomar-ineligible-list-reviewing-sexual-misconduct-allegation/ |work=SportsNet}}</ref> In April 2021, the Blue Jays also announced that Alomar would be removed from the [[Toronto Blue Jays#Level of Excellence|Level of Excellence]] and his retired number banner would be taken down at [[Rogers Centre]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Club statements on Roberto Alomar |url= https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-club-statements-on-roberto-alomar|publisher=[[Major League Baseball]] |access-date=3 June 2021 |quote= The Blue Jays are committed to advancing respect and equity in baseball and are taking further action by removing Alomar from the Level of Excellence and taking down his banner at Rogers Centre.}}</ref>  The Blue Jays have reactivated the uniform number 12, and it has been used by [[Jordan Hicks (baseball)|Jordan Hicks]] in 2023. Alomar remains the only player to currently be a member of both the Baseball Hall of Fame and MLB's permanently-ineligible list simultaneously.

==Early life==
Alomar was born in [[Ponce, Puerto Rico]] to [[Sandy Alomar Sr.|Santos "Sandy" Alomar Sr.]] and María Velázquez. He grew up in [[Salinas, Puerto Rico]]<ref>{{cite book|last=Van Hyning|first=Thomas E.|author2=Eduardo Valero |title=Puerto Rico's Winter League: A History of Major League Baseball's Launching Pad|publisher=McFarland|year=2004|page=111|isbn=978-0-7864-1970-8|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ce8wlREHG_0C&pg=PA111|access-date=April 13, 2010}}</ref> in a baseball family.<ref name="latino" /><ref name="greatath">{{cite book |last1=Britton |first1=John A |editor1-first=Dawn P |editor1-last=Dawson |title=Great Athletes |edition=Revised |volume=1 |year=2002 |orig-year=1992 |publisher=Salem Press |isbn=1-58765-008-8 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/greatathletes0000unse/page/49 49–51] |url=https://archive.org/details/greatathletes0000unse/page/49 }}</ref> He and his older brother [[Sandy Alomar Jr.|Sandy Jr.]] did not see their father that often and lived with their mother, due to their father's career as a major league second baseman.<ref>{{cite book |last=Macht |first=Norman Lee |url=http://www.bookrags.com/biography/roberto-alomar-spo/ |title=Roberto Alomar Biography |publisher=Mitchell Lane Publishers |year=1999 |isbn=978-1883845841}}</ref> When school in Puerto Rico was out for the summer, they joined their father, who let his sons hang around the clubhouse, [[shagging (baseball)|shag fly balls]], and absorb knowledge of the game—especially from his [[New York Yankees]] teammates including [[Thurman Munson]] and [[Graig Nettles]].<ref name="Yankees">{{cite web |first=Bill |last=Lubinger |title=Roberto Alomar's long route to Cooperstown glory ran through Cleveland |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/07/roberto_alomars_long_route_to.html |work=Cleveland.com |date=July 19, 2011 |access-date=August 5, 2013}}</ref> As a youth, Alomar idolized his father and [[José Cruz]], both of whom were All-Star players.<ref name="Yankees"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |author-link=Tyler Kepner |date=January 4, 2010 |title=Roberto Alomar Awaits the Hall's Call |url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/04/roberto-alomar-awaits-the-halls-call/?_r=0 |access-date=August 5, 2013 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>

==Career==

===San Diego Padres===
In 1985, Alomar signed with the [[San Diego Padres]] at age 17, and joined the team's Class-A affiliate, the [[Charleston RiverDogs|Charleston Rainbows]].<ref name="greatath" /> The following year, playing for the [[Reno Silver Sox|Reno Padres]], he won the [[California League]] batting title with a .346 average.<ref name="greatath" />

Alomar made his major league debut on April 22, 1988, against the [[1988 Houston Astros season|Houston Astros]], recording a [[hit (baseball)|hit]] in his first [[at bat]], off of [[Nolan Ryan]].<ref>[https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN198804220.shtml Houston Astros at San Diego Padres Box Score, April 22, 1988] Baseball-Reference.com. Accessed on April 29, 2019.</ref> With the Padres, he established himself as a solid hitter and baserunner, and defensively, he displayed excellent lateral range and a powerful arm, often making spectacular plays on ground balls hit deep in the hole between first and second base, and on balls hit up the middle, well behind second base. He became an All-Star for the first time in 1990, as a reserve player for the [[National League (baseball)|National League]].<ref name="greatath" />

===Toronto Blue Jays===
{{Quote box
|width=33%
|align=right
|quote="I don't think we'd have ever gone to the World Series in '92 if he didn't hit that home run off Eckersley in Oakland that day like 4:30 in the afternoon when you could hardly see at the plate [because of the shadows]." 
|source=– [[Pat Gillick]], Hall of Famer and former Blue Jays general manager<ref name="halloffame"/>
}}
On December 5, 1990, Alomar and [[Joe Carter]] were traded to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] in exchange for [[Fred McGriff]] and [[Tony Fernández]].<ref name="bbref">{{Cite web |title=Roberto Alomar Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alomaro01.shtml |website=Baseball-Reference.com}}</ref> It was in Toronto that he developed into a premier offensive second baseman, combining a .300-plus [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] with power and high end speed on the bases. In 1991, he capitalized on his speed with 11 [[triple (baseball)|triples]] and 53 [[stolen base]]s, leading the team to its first of three consecutive playoff appearances.<ref name="bbref"/> The following year, he scored 105 [[run (baseball)|runs]], drew 87 [[base on balls|walks]], and had a .405 [[on-base percentage]].<ref name="bbref"/> In 1993, Alomar had his best season with the Blue Jays, producing 17 [[home run]]s (HR), 93 [[run batted in|runs batted in]] (RBI), and 55 stolen bases, while batting .326, third in the [[American League]] behind teammates [[John Olerud]] and [[Paul Molitor]].<ref name="bbref"/> He was a central figure in Toronto's [[World Series]] championships in [[1992 World Series|1992]] and [[1993 World Series|1993]]; in Game 6 of the 1992 World Series, he scored the series-winning run on [[Dave Winfield]]'s two-run [[double (baseball)|double]] in the 11th inning. Alomar's game-tying, ninth-inning home run against [[1992 Oakland Athletics season|Oakland]] relief ace [[Dennis Eckersley]], in Game 4 of the [[1992 American League Championship Series]] (ALCS), is considered by many as the most important hit in the club's history,<ref name="halloffame">[http://wap.mlb.com/bal/news/article/2011071922020668/?locale=es_CO Gillick, Alomar fittingly enter Hall together]{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} MLB.com. Accessed on February 24, 2012.</ref> as the team's three previous trips to the ALCS had ended in disappointment; he was named the [[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]] (MVP) of the series.<ref name="greatath" /> In 1995, he played 104 consecutive games without committing an [[error (baseball)|error]], setting an AL record for second basemen.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1996-03-29 |title=SECOND TO NONE Superb in their own right, shortstop Cal Ripken and second baseman Roberto Alomar are turning their double play of talent and knowledge of the game into a seamless combination |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1996/03/29/second-to-none-superb-in-their-own-right-shortstop-cal-ripken-and-second-baseman-roberto-alomar-are-turning-their-double-play-of-talent-and-knowledge-of-the-game-into-a-seamless-combination/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> In each of his five seasons with the Blue Jays, Alomar was named to the All-Star team and won the Gold Glove Award.<ref name="bbref"/>

During his tenure with the Jays, Alomar became the face of the team due to his good looks and TV commercials alongside his ability, in what was called "Robbiemania". A book signing for Alomar's biography ''Second to None'' at [[Hillcrest Mall]] had to be cancelled after mall security reacted to an unruly crowd.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brunt |first1=Stephen |title=Second to None |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/big-read-alomar-remains-greatest-player-blue-jays-history/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=30 October 2025}}</ref>

===Baltimore Orioles===
[[File:Roberto Alomar and Ozzie Guillen.jpg|thumb|290px|Alomar (left) with [[Ozzie Guillén]] during [[spring training]], 1998]]
On December 21, 1995, Alomar signed with the [[Baltimore Orioles]] at a time when Toronto was looking to rebuild, while Baltimore was improving into a pennant-contending team. In Baltimore, he paired with Hall of Famer [[Cal Ripken Jr.]] to form a formidable double-play combination. Alomar appeared in the playoffs in 1996 and 1997 for the Orioles, hitting a series-winning home run in Game 4 of the [[1996 American League Division Series]] (ALDS),<ref name="orioles"/> although the Orioles were defeated in the ALCS both years.<ref name="bbref"/> In 1998, he was named the [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|All-Star Game MVP]].<ref name="bbref"/>

====Spitting incident====
On September 27, 1996, during a game against the Blue Jays in the [[SkyDome]], Alomar got into a heated argument over a called third strike with umpire [[John Hirschbeck]] and spat in his face.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brunt |first1=Stephen |title=Second to None |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/big-read-alomar-remains-greatest-player-blue-jays-history/ |publisher=Sportsnet |access-date=30 October 2025}}</ref> Alomar defended himself by saying Hirschbeck had uttered a racial slur and that Hirschbeck had been bitter since one son had died of [[adrenoleukodystrophy|ALD]] and another had been recently diagnosed as well. Upon hearing of Alomar's comments, Hirschbeck had to be physically restrained from confronting Alomar in the players' locker room.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wulf|first=Steve|title=The Spit Hits The Fan|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,134797,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214174118/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,134797,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 14, 2009|work=Time Magazine |date=June 24, 2001|access-date=July 9, 2009}}</ref>

Alomar was suspended for the first five regular-season games in 1997 and donated $50,000 to ALD research. Alomar and Hirschbeck settled their differences publicly and made apologies to each other on April 22, 1997, standing at home plate and shaking hands in front of the crowd before an Orioles game.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maske |first=Mark |date=1997-04-23 |title=ALOMAR, HIRSCHBECK SHAKE HANDS |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1997/04/23/alomar-hirschbeck-shake-hands/775bb969-4ac6-4013-a988-fbccb4b87aad/ |access-date=2022-11-10 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

===Cleveland Indians===
[[File:Roberto Alomar in Oakland-82 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Alomar with the Indians in [[Oakland Coliseum|Oakland]]]]
On November 24, 1998, Alomar signed a four-year contract with the [[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]], joining his All-Star brother, Sandy Jr. It was in Cleveland that Alomar had two of his finest seasons. In 1999, he hit .323 and set career highs with 24 home runs, 120 RBI, 138 runs, 99 walks, a .422 on-base percentage and a .533 [[slugging percentage]]. In 2001, he batted .336/.415/.541, with 20 home runs, 100 RBI, and 30 steals.<ref name="bbref"/> Cleveland made the playoffs in 1999, [[1999 American League Division Series|losing in the ALDS to the Boston Red Sox]]; in 2001, they again made the playoffs, but [[2001 American League Division Series|lost to the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS]]. Alomar finished third in [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|AL MVP]] voting in 1999 and fourth in 2001.<ref name="bbref"/>

On the field, Alomar teamed with [[shortstop]] [[Omar Vizquel]] to form another decorated middle infield combination. The Vizquel-Alomar duo won three consecutive Gold Gloves together, becoming one of just eight shortstop-second baseman duos to have accomplished this feat in the same year.

Alomar was traded to the [[New York Mets]] before the 2002 season, for pitcher [[Billy Traber]] and [[outfielder]]s [[Matt Lawton]] and [[Alex Escobar]].<ref name="bbref"/>

===Last years of career===
In 2002, Alomar hit only .266/.331/.376 with 53 RBI and 73 runs scored,<ref name="bbref"/> while falling apart defensively at second base. The Mets were puzzled by Alomar's mediocre play, which some attributed to his lack of comfort with being under the greater scrutiny of the New York fans and media. However, not even a midseason trade back to the American League to the [[Chicago White Sox]] in 2003 could revive Alomar from his funk. There was more misery ahead with the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] in 2004, including a two-month disabled stint with a broken right hand. On August 5, Alomar returned to the White Sox, and hit just .263/.321/.392 in 56 games.<ref name="bbref"/>

Alomar agreed to a one-year contract with the [[Tampa Bay Rays|Tampa Bay Devil Rays]] for the 2005 season. However, on March 19, 2005, after a [[spring training]] plagued by back and vision trouble, he announced his retirement.<ref name="espn"/>

==Legacy==
{{MLBBioRet
|Image  = BlueJays 12 retired.png
|Name   = Roberto Alomar
|Number = 12
|Team   = Toronto Blue Jays
|Year   = 2011 (It was placed back into circulation in 2021 when an allegation of sexual misconduct by Alomar came to light.)
|}}
''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' called Alomar "the best second baseman of t[his] generation" and he is regarded as one of the greatest second basemen and all-around players of all time.<ref name="espn"/><ref name="hardball"/> Known for his acrobatic and flamboyant style of defense, Alomar won 10 Gold Glove Awards, establishing a major league record for second basemen.<ref name="bbhall">{{Cite web |title=Alomar, Roberto |url=https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/alomar-roberto |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[Baseball Hall of Fame]]}}</ref><ref name="bbref4">{{Cite web |title=MLB American League Gold Glove Award Winners |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/gold_glove_al.shtml |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref> He ranks in the top 10 of several all-time categories for second basemen, including [[games played]], stolen bases, [[plate appearance]]s, doubles, [[assist (baseball)|assists]], hits, runs, at bats, and double plays turned.<ref name="bbref2">[https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/a/alomaro01.shtml#all_leaderboard Roberto Alomar – Appearances on Leaderboards, Awards, and Honors] Baseball-Reference.com. Accessed on June 27, 2019.</ref><ref name="bbref3">[https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/jaws_2B.shtml Second Base JAWS Leaders] Baseball-Reference.com. Accessed on June 27, 2019.</ref> In a 17-year career, he was a .300/.371/.443 hitter with 210 home runs and 1,134 RBI; his .307 career batting average as a member of the Blue Jays is a [[list of Toronto Blue Jays team records|franchise record]].<ref name="bbref"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=All-Time Blue Jays Player Hitting Stat Leaders |url=https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/stats/batting-average/all-time-totals |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=MLB.com}}</ref> He was the [[Neil MacCarl Award|Blue Jays Player of the Year]] in 1991, 1992, and 1995, as well as the [[Cleveland Indians Man of the Year Award|Cleveland Indians Man of the Year]] in 1999 and 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bob Feller Man of the Year Award |url=https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/cleveland_man_of_the_year_award.shtml |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Baseball Almanac}}</ref> A [[clutch hitter]], Alomar had a .313 [[Major League Baseball postseason|postseason]] average, including a .347 average in two World Series appearances.<ref name="bbref"/> His game-tying home run in Game 4 of the 1992 ALCS is often considered the most important hit in Blue Jays history, as it changed the fortunes of the franchise.<ref name="halloffame"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Roberto Alomar recalls his Game 4 1992 ALCS home run |url=https://baseballhall.org/discover/roberto-alomar-looks-back-on-1992-alcs |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[Baseball Hall of Fame]]}}</ref>

Alomar was known for having a "sixth sense" or "[[Glossary of baseball terms#five-tool player|sixth tool]]"—awareness—which distinguished him from other players.<ref name="Yankees" /><ref>Howarth, Jerry (2019). ''[https://books.google.nl/books?redir_esc=y&hl=nl&id=yMt2DwAAQBAJ&q=He+had+a+sixth+tool#v=snippet&q=He%20had%20a%20sixth%20tool&f=false Hello, Friends!: Stories from My Life and Blue Jays Baseball]''. ECW Press. {{ISBN|9-78177305-353-0}}.</ref> His former manager [[Davey Johnson]] said of him, "He reminds me of some of the great players that I've played with, who seem like they write their own script &nbsp;... [[Frank Robinson]]'s one, [[Hank Aaron|Henry Aaron]] was the other."<ref name="bbhall"/> He became only the third Puerto Rican to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, after [[Roberto Clemente]] and [[Orlando Cepeda]], and has since been joined by [[Iván Rodríguez]] and [[Edgar Martínez]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-09 |title=Why two MLB managers hugged it out in Boston today |url=https://qz.com/1590827/for-the-first-time-two-puerto-rican-mlb-managers-face-off |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Quartz |language=en}}</ref>

==Post-playing honors and activities==
[[File:Roberto Alomar Hall of Fame Presentation Toronto.jpg|thumb|Alomar's jersey retirement ceremony in [[Toronto]] on July 31, 2011]]
On April 4, 2008, Alomar was inducted into the Blue Jays [[Toronto Blue Jays#Level of Excellence|Level of Excellence]] at [[Rogers Centre]], prior to the team's home opener.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Davidi |first=Shi |date=2008-04-04 |title=Jays add Alomar, Beeston to Level of Excellence |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/jays-add-alomar-beeston-to-level-of-excellence/article_ce5b9b49-0f61-54ce-aa69-3ce9771ceec8.html |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Toronto Star |agency=The Canadian Press}}</ref> He has since been removed from the Blue Jays Level of Excellence due to an allegation of sexual misconduct.<ref>{{cite news |author1=Longley |first=Rob |date=July 31, 2023 |title=Surging Orioles batter Blue Jays as blowout win spoils return of Ryu |url=https://torontosun.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays/surging-orioles-batter-blue-jays-as-blowout-win-spoils-return-of-ryu |publisher=[[Toronto Sun]]}}</ref>

In 2010, Alomar's first year of Hall of Fame eligibility, he missed induction by eight votes. His 73.7% of the vote was the highest percentage of votes in any player's first year on the ballot without being elected. Some baseball writers expressed shock that he failed to get in on the first ballot,<ref>{{cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Ken |author-link=Ken Rosenthal |date=January 7, 2010 |title=Snub of Alomar exposes flaw in voting |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/snub-of-alomar-exposes-flaw-in-voting |work=[[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]]}}</ref> but many attributed the near miss to sportswriters holding a grudge over the 1996 spitting incident with John Hirschbeck, including Alomar's brother Sandy Jr. and Hirschbeck himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100106&content_id=7883834&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Eight votes shy, Alomar 'disappointed'|website=Major League Baseball|access-date=July 23, 2011|archive-date=October 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026073912/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100106&content_id=7883834&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Jeff |date=2010-01-06 |title=Andre Dawson elected to Hall of Fame as 2 others barely miss |url=https://bbwaa.com/2010-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[BBWAA]]}}</ref> He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility, with 90% of the vote (523 of 581 ballots cast).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fletcher |first=Jeff |date=2011-01-06 |title=Roberto Alomar, Bert Blyleven elected to Hall of Fame |url=https://bbwaa.com/2011-hall-of-fame/ |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=[[BBWAA]]}}</ref> On July 24, 2011, Alomar was inducted into the Hall of Fame, becoming the first inductee to be depicted as a Blue Jays player on his plaque.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2011/07/24/roberto-alomar-enters-hall-fame/?test=faces|title=Roberto Alomar Enters Hall of Fame|first=Adry|last=Torres|website=[[Fox News]] |date=July 24, 2011}}</ref>

On June 19, 2010, Alomar was inducted into the [[Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame]] in [[St. Marys, Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lfpress.com/sports/baseball/2010/06/19/14450006.html|title=Alomar, Quantrill inducted in Hall of Fame|last=nurun.com|website=The London Free Press|access-date=October 4, 2018|archive-date=June 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623204634/https://lfpress.com/sports/baseball/2010/06/19/14450006.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The [[2011 Caribbean Series]] was dedicated to him and the series was followed by his induction into the [[Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ribas |first=Fernando |date=January 26, 2011 |title=Dedican Serie del Caribe a Roberto Alomar |url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/dedicanseriedelcaribearobertoalomar-873749.html |access-date=January 26, 2011 |newspaper=[[El Nuevo Dia]] |language=es}}</ref> On March 31, 2011, he was named as a special assistant with the Blue Jays.<ref name="globe">[https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/baseball/jays-name-roberto-alomar-special-assistant/article574793/ Jays name Roberto Alomar special assistant] ''[[The Globe and Mail]]'' Accessed on June 27, 2019.</ref> In 2012, he began hosting the annual Tournament 12 (T12) showcase at Rogers Centre for Canadian baseball prospects; major leaguers [[Josh Naylor]], [[Mike Soroka]], and [[Abraham Toro]] are alumni of the tournament.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matheson |first=Keegan |date=2017-09-15 |title=Alomar likes potential he sees at Tournament 12 |url=https://www.mlb.com/bluejays/news/roberto-alomar-sees-potential-in-tournament-12-c254456848 |access-date=2024-10-24 |website=MLB.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Laura |date=2019-08-30 |title=Astros are bullish on Canadian prospect Abraham Toro |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/astros-are-bullish-on-canadian-prospect-abraham-toro/article_878fc047-8c6b-572b-bc8a-6cfdfd90c1e9.html |access-date=2025-09-16 |website=Toronto Star}}</ref> On July 31, 2011, the Blue Jays retired Alomar's number 12 at Rogers Centre. He was the first Blue Jay to be so honored.<ref name="Retire">{{cite web |title=Blue Jays to retire Alomar's No. 12 |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/2011/07/19/blue_jays_to_retire_alomars_no_12.html |work=The Toronto Star |date=July 19, 2011 |access-date=July 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426050254/http://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/2011/07/19/blue_jays_to_retire_alomars_no_12.html |url-status=live |archive-date=April 26, 2016}}</ref> The number has since been unretired after the Blue Jays severed all ties to him due to an allegation of sexual misconduct.<ref name="Sporting News">{{cite news|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/news/jordan-hicks-number-12-blue-jays-roberto-alomar-unretired/uwmzbqac8liwroyhy5tazvkp|title=Why is Jordan Hicks wearing No. 12 for Blue Jays? How Roberto Alomar's former number was unretired
|author1=Sam Jarden|publisher=[[Sporting News]]|date=July 31, 2023}}</ref><ref name="Toronto Sun">{{cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/sports/baseball/toronto-blue-jays/surging-orioles-batter-blue-jays-as-blowout-win-spoils-return-of-ryu|title=Surging Orioles batter Blue Jays as blowout win spoils return of Ryu|author1=Rob Longley|publisher=[[Toronto Sun]]|date=July 31, 2023}}</ref>

On August 3, 2013, Alomar was inducted into the [[Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame]].<ref name="orioles">[https://www.thestar.com/sports/bluejays/2013/08/03/mlb_robbie_alomar_enters_orioles_hall_of_fame.html MLB: Robbie Alomar enters Orioles Hall of Fame] ''Toronto Star''. Accessed on June 27, 2019.</ref> On November 12, 2013, he launched a baseball equipment line, Alomar Baseball.<ref>[https://torontosun.com/2013/11/12/robbie-alomar-unveils-baseball-equipment-line/wcm/56f4e549-6592-49ff-882f-ab38f4ebf16c Robbie Alomar unveils baseball equipment line] ''[[Toronto Sun]]''. Accessed on June 27, 2019.</ref> On September 24, 2015, Alomar was inducted into the [[Ontario Sports Hall of Fame]] in Toronto.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://oshof.ca/index.php/component/k2/item/209-roberto-alomar |title=Roberto Alomar |website=oshof.ca |publisher=[[Ontario Sports Hall of Fame]] |access-date=April 7, 2016 |archive-date=August 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820033954/https://oshof.ca/index.php/component/k2/item/209-roberto-alomar |url-status=dead }}</ref> He guest-starred on an episode of Canadian sitcom ''[[Mr. D]]'' in an episode when students ran an "Alomar for President" campaign during the Student Council Elections.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Comedy |first=CBC |date=November 21, 2018 |title=8 great athlete guest stars on 'Mr. D' |url=https://www.cbc.ca/comedy/8-great-athlete-guest-stars-on-mr-d-1.4908740}}</ref> In 2017, [[Commissioner of Baseball|MLB Commissioner]] [[Rob Manfred]] named Alomar a special consultant, tasked with helping grow baseball in Puerto Rico.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trezza |first=Joe |date=2017-03-16 |title=R. Alomar named MLB special consultant in Puerto Rico |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/roberto-alomar-is-consultant-for-mlb-c219579738 |access-date=2022-11-10 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref> In July 2020, it was announced that Alomar was launching an expansion team in the [[Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente]]. The team, based in [[San Juan, Puerto Rico|San Juan]] and named [[RA12]] (after his initials and uniform number), began competing during the 2020–21 season.<ref name="ra12">{{cite news |title=Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar to launch expansion club in Puerto Rican pro league LBPRC |url=https://www.wbsc.org/en/news/hall-of-famer-roberto-alomar-to-launch-expansio-franchise-in-his-native-puerto-rico |access-date=15 June 2022 |publisher=[[World Baseball Softball Confederation]] |date=July 14, 2020 |language=en}}</ref> He also became a member of the LBPRC Board of Directors.<ref name="ra12" />

==Sexual misconduct allegation==
On April 30, 2021, Alomar was fired from both the Blue Jays and MLB amid reports that MLB was investigating a claim from a female Blue Jays staffer that Alomar had sexually harassed her in 2014. According to [[The Sports Network]], the staffer was preparing to sue Alomar, the Blue Jays, and MLB.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.tsn.ca/major-league-baseball-toronto-blue-jays-fire-roberto-alomar-after-workplace-complaint-1.1632151|title=MLB, Blue Jays fire Alomar after workplace complaint
|author1=Rick Westhead|publisher=[[The Sports Network]]|date=April 30, 2021}}</ref> Later on April 30, Manfred announced that following an investigation into that allegation that had taken several months, Alomar had been placed on MLB's [[List of people banned from Major League Baseball|ineligible list]]. At the same time, the Blue Jays severed all ties with Alomar, removing his name from the "Level of Excellence" at the Rogers Centre, taking down his Hall of Fame banner and returning his #12 jersey to circulation. However, he remains enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Alomar's number was officially unretired August 1, 2023 when newly acquired pitcher [[Jordan Hicks (baseball)|Jordan Hicks]] donned number 12 and entered the game for the Blue Jays in the ninth inning.<ref name="Sporting News"/><ref name="Toronto Sun"/>

After the actions taken by MLB and the Blue Jays, the complainant declined to pursue further legal action.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-04-30 |title=MLB bans Alomar after sexual misconduct inquiry |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/31366185/roberto-alomar-placed-mlb-ineligible-list-2014-sexual-misconduct-allegation |access-date=2025-02-01 |publisher=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Alomar and Puerto Rican model [[Maripily Rivera]] were married on June 1, 2009. In 2010, Rivera alleged that she had been a victim of domestic violence on three occasions, including her life being threatened with a knife by Alomar, and she wanted to end the marriage. Alomar alleged that Rivera had threatened to divorce him unless he gave her half ownership of his Tampa residence.<ref name="personal">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=5765281|title=Drama follows retired baseball All-Star|publisher=[[ESPN]]|author=Fish, Mike|date=December 1, 2012}}</ref> The divorce was finalized on July 12, 2011, with a private settlement.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/maripilydivorciadaymillonaria-1014004.html|title=Maripily divorciada y millonaria|work=[[El Nuevo Día]]|author=Vargas, Patricia|date=July 12, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.primerahora.com/maripilyyaestadivorciada-525222.html|title=Maripily ya esta divorciada|newspaper=[[Primera Hora (Puerto Rico)|Primera Hora]]|author=Gómez, María Gabriela|date=July 12, 2011}}</ref>

On December 12, 2012, Alomar married Kim Perks, from [[Toronto]] at the [[Art Gallery of Ontario]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Elliott |first1=Bob |date=December 12, 2012 |title=Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar marries in Toronto on 12-12-12 |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2012/12/12/hall-of-famer-roberto-alomar-marries-in-toronto-on-12-12-12 |newspaper=Toronto Sun}}</ref> Their first daughter was born in 2014<ref>{{cite news |date=April 11, 2014 |title=Se convierte en padre Roberto Alomar |url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/seconvierteenpadrerobertoalomar-1751346.html |access-date=April 12, 2014 |work=[[El Nuevo Día]]}}</ref> and they live in Toronto.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Bob |date=2012-11-14 |title=Roberto Alomar impressed by Jose Reyes |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Baseball/MLB/Toronto/2012/11/14/20357196.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130624185407/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Baseball/MLB/Toronto/2012/11/14/20357196.html |archive-date=2013-06-24 |website=Slam! Sports}}</ref>

In 1996, a [[Canadians|Canadian]] woman who became obsessed with Alomar was sentenced to nine months in prison for plotting to murder him. She was arrested with a loaded gun after telling security at the [[SkyDome]] of her plans.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jurisprudence |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121987183/jurisprudence/ |access-date=31 March 2023 |work=[[The Los Angeles Times]] |date=14 March 1996 |pages=57}}</ref> 

Alomar has been sued by at least four women, including his ex-wife, for allegedly exposing them to [[HIV]]. He was in a relationship with professional tennis player [[Meghann Shaughnessy]] from 2004 to 2006, and she claimed Alomar exposed her to HIV. The lawyer of Alomar's ex-wife stated Alomar paid $4 million in settlements to Shaughnessy and Ilya Dall, another ex-girlfriend.<ref name="personal" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=2009-05-06 |title=Roberto Alomar Settles AIDS Lawsuit |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/roberto-alomar-settles-aids-lawsuit/1894648/ |access-date=2025-10-18 |website=NBC New York |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Awards and highlights==
[[File:Alomar Golden Glove award.jpg|thumb|right|Alomar's 1994 Gold Glove Award]]

===Awards===
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
|-
!style="background:#ccf;"|Award / Honor
!style="background:#ccf;"|Time(s)
!style="background:#ccf;"|Date(s)
|-
|[[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star]]
|12
|1990–2001
|-
|AL [[Gold Glove Award]] (2B)
|10 <small>(MLB Record)</small>
|1991–96, 1998–2001
|-
|AL [[Silver Slugger Award]] (2B)
|4
|1992, 1996, 1999, 2000
|-
|Toronto Blue Jays Player of the Year
|3
|1991, 1992, 1995
|-
|Cleveland Indians Man of the Year
|2
|1999, 2001
|-
|[[League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award|ALCS Most Valuable Player]]
|1
|1992
|-
|[[Major League Baseball All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|MLB All-Star Game Most Valuable Player]]
|1
|1998
|}

===Statistical highlights===
'''League leader'''
*Runs scored (1999)
*[[Sacrifice bunt]]s (1989)
*[[Sacrifice fly|Sacrifice flies]] (1999)
*Plate appearances (1989)
*[[Fielding percentage]] at second base (1992, 1995, 1999, 2001)
*Stolen base percentage (2000)

'''Other milestones'''
*batted over .300 nine times (1992–97, 1999–2001)
*posted an on-base percentage over .400 five times (1992, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2001)
*scored 100 or more runs six times (1992, 1993, 1996, 1999–2001)
*drove in 100 or more runs twice (1999, 2001)
*stole 30 or more bases eight times (1989, 1991–93, 1995, 1999–2001)

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball|Puerto Rico}}
{{div col}}
* [[Cleveland Indians award winners and league leaders]]
* [[Toronto Blue Jays award winners and league leaders]]
* [[List of Gold Glove middle infield duos]]
* [[List of Silver Slugger Award winners at second base]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball annual runs scored leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career doubles leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career runs batted in leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career total bases leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career plate appearance leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career putouts as a second baseman leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders]]
* [[List of Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico]]
* [[List of people banned from Major League Baseball]]
* [[List of second-generation Major League Baseball players]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{official website}}
*{{bbhof|alomar-roberto}}
*{{Baseballstats|mlb=110183|espn=2034|br=a/alomaro01|fangraphs=860|brm=alomar001rob|retro=A/Palomr001|nobullet=y}}
{{2011 Baseball HOF}}
{{Baseball Hall of Fame members}}
{{AL 2B Silver Slugger Award}}
{{AL 2B Gold Glove Award}}
{{ALCS MVP}}
{{Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVPs}}
{{Caribbean Series MVPs}}
{{Toronto Blue Jays HOF}}
{{1992 Toronto Blue Jays}}
{{1993 Toronto Blue Jays}}
{{Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame}}
{{Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Alomar, Roberto}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American League All-Stars]]
[[Category:American League Championship Series MVPs]]
[[Category:Arizona Diamondbacks players]]
[[Category:Baltimore Orioles players]]
[[Category:Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Charleston Rainbows players]]
[[Category:Chicago White Sox players]]
[[Category:Cleveland Indians players]]
[[Category:Gold Glove Award winners]]
[[Category:Las Vegas Stars (baseball) players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball All-Star Game MVPs]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball players from Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball second basemen]]
[[Category:National Baseball Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:National League All-Stars]]
[[Category:New York Mets players]]
[[Category:People from Salinas, Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Puerto Rican expatriate baseball players in Canada]]
[[Category:Reno Padres players]]
[[Category:San Diego Padres players]]
[[Category:Silver Slugger Award winners]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Ponce, Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Toronto Blue Jays players]]
[[Category:Tucson Sidewinders players]]
[[Category:Wichita Pilots players]]