Roberto Alomar (original) (raw)
Roberto Alomar (born February 5, 1968) is a Major League Baseball player and arguably one of the best second basemen to have ever played the game.
Early career
Roberto broke in the Major Leagues in 1988 with the San Diego Padres, where he was regarded as an excellent fielder with speed and a solid bat. In 1991 he and Joe Carter were traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez. It was in Toronto that Roberto developed into a premier offensive second basemen, combining a .300-plus batting average with some pop and a continued threat on the bases. In 1993 Roberto batted .326, third in the league behind teammates John Olerud and Paul Molitor. Roberto was a large part of Toronto's World Series championships in 1992 and 1993.
In 1995 Roberto moved to greener pastures, signing with the Baltimore Orioles at a time when Toronto was moving to rebuild and Baltimore was building towards a championship-calibre team. Roberto would play again in the playoffs in 1996 and 1997 for the Orioles, although the Orioles were defeated in the American League Championship Series in both years.
Controversy
On September 27, 1996 Roberto gained notoriety when, during a heated argument over a called third strike, he spit in the face of umpire John Hirschbeck. Roberto defended himself by saying Hirschbeck had uttered a racial slur and that Hirschbeck had been bitter ever since his son had died of ALD. Roberto was suspended five games and made to donate $50,000 to ALD research. Alomar and Hirschbeck have since settled their differences, and now consider one another friends off the field.
Cleveland Indians
In 1999 Roberto signed with the Cleveland Indians, joining his brother, Major League catcher Sandy Alomar. It was in Cleveland that Roberto would have two of his finest seasons -- and perhaps two of the finest seasons ever for a second baseman. In 1999 Roberto hit .323 with 24 HRs, 120 RBIss and 37 stolen bases. In 2001 Roberto hit .336 with 20 HRs, 100 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. Cleveland would make the playoffs in both years only to lose in the American League Divisional Series. Roberto finished 3rd in MVP voting in 1999.
New York Mets
Roberto was traded to the New York Mets in 2001 along with Mike Bacsik and Danny Peoples for Matt Lawton, Alex Escobar, Jerrod Riggan, Billy Traber and Earl Snyder.
Over his career, Roberto has played in 12 All-Star games, won 10 Gold Gloves and won four Silver Sluggers. He was the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player in 1992.
Teams include: San Diego Padres (1988-1990), Toronto Blue Jays (1991-1995), Baltimore Orioles (1996-1998), Cleveland Indians (1999-2001), New York Mets (2002-2003), and Chicago White Sox (2003).
Alomar was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks to a one-year deal for the 2004 season.