History of Roberto Alomar in Timeline
Roberto Alomar Velázquez, a highly celebrated Puerto Rican former second baseman, enjoyed a remarkable sixteen-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB), most notably with the Toronto Blue Jays. Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest second basemen and all-around players, his exceptional skills earned him a plethora of accolades, including twelve All-Star selections and a record-breaking ten Gold Glove Awards—the most by any second baseman in baseball history. His offensive prowess was equally impressive, as evidenced by his four Silver Slugger Awards. Alomar's impact on the sport is undeniable, solidifying his place as a true baseball legend and earning him induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, where he proudly stands as the first inducted member to be depicted as a Toronto Blue Jays player on his plaque.
February 5, 1968: Birth of Roberto Alomar
Roberto Alomar Velázquez was born on February 5, 1968.
1985: Start of Professional Career
At the age of 17, Roberto Alomar began his professional baseball career after signing with the San Diego Padres in 1985. He was assigned to the Charleston Rainbows, the team's Class-A affiliate.
1985: Signing with the San Diego Padres
Roberto Alomar signed with the San Diego Padres as an amateur free agent in 1985.
April 22, 1988: Major League Debut
Roberto Alomar made his Major League Baseball debut on April 22, 1988, facing off against the Houston Astros. He marked the occasion by getting a hit in his first at-bat against pitcher Nolan Ryan.
December 5, 1990: Trade to the Toronto Blue Jays
On December 5, 1990, Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter were traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernández.
1990: Emergence as an All-Star Player
By 1990, Roberto Alomar had established himself as a skilled hitter, base runner, and defensive player with the Padres, earning his first All-Star selection.
1990: First All-Star Selection
Roberto Alomar was selected as an All-Star for the first time in 1990, representing the National League.
1991: Blue Jays Player of the Year
Roberto Alomar was named the Blue Jays Player of the Year in 1991.
1991: Leading the Blue Jays to the Playoffs
Roberto Alomar's speed and offensive prowess contributed to the Toronto Blue Jays' first playoff appearance in 1991, marking the start of three consecutive postseason runs for the team.
1992: Blue Jays Player of the Year and Memorable Home Run
In 1992, Alomar was again recognized as the Blue Jays Player of the Year. That same year, he hit a game-tying home run in Game 4 of the ALCS, a pivotal moment that's considered one of the most crucial hits in Blue Jays history.
1992: World Series Champion with the Toronto Blue Jays
Roberto Alomar won his first World Series championship with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992. He was also named the American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player that year.
1992: World Series Heroics
Roberto Alomar's clutch hitting in the 1992 World Series, including scoring the series-winning run, cemented his status as a key player for the Toronto Blue Jays. His game-tying home run in Game 4 of the ALCS is considered one of the most iconic moments in the team's history.
1993: Exceptional Season and World Series Championship
In 1993, Roberto Alomar had a career-best season, achieving impressive offensive stats and playing a key role in the Blue Jays' World Series victory.
1993: Second Consecutive World Series Championship
Roberto Alomar was part of the Toronto Blue Jays team that won their second consecutive World Series championship in 1993. He had a standout season that year, finishing third in the American League batting race.
December 21, 1995: Joining the Baltimore Orioles
Roberto Alomar signed with the Baltimore Orioles on December 21, 1995.
1995: Trade to the Baltimore Orioles
After the 1995 season, Roberto Alomar was traded to the Baltimore Orioles.
1995: Setting an American League Record
In 1995, Roberto Alomar set an American League record for second basemen by playing 104 consecutive games without committing an error.
1995: Third Time Blue Jays Player of the Year
Roberto Alomar was named the Blue Jays Player of the Year for the third time in 1995.
September 27, 1996: The Spitting Incident
On September 27, 1996, during a game against his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, Roberto Alomar was involved in a heated dispute with umpire John Hirschbeck over a called third strike. In the ensuing argument, Alomar spat in Hirschbeck's face, an act that would overshadow his career.
1996: Playoff Success and a Controversial Incident
In 1996, Roberto Alomar contributed to the Baltimore Orioles' playoff run, hitting a series-winning home run in the ALDS. However, the season was also marked by a controversial incident where he spat in the face of umpire John Hirschbeck.
1996: Fan Threat
In 1996, a female fan in Canada developed an obsession with Roberto Alomar, culminating in her arrest for plotting to kill him. She was apprehended at the SkyDome with a firearm after revealing her intentions to security personnel.
1996: Spitting Incident
Roberto Alomar was involved in a controversial incident in 1996 when he spat at umpire John Hirschbeck during a game.
April 22, 1997: Public Apology and Reconciliation
On April 22, 1997, Roberto Alomar publicly apologized to umpire John Hirschbeck for the spitting incident that occurred during a game the previous year. The two shook hands at home plate in front of the crowd before an Orioles game, signifying a reconciliation.
1997: Return to the Playoffs
Roberto Alomar and the Baltimore Orioles reached the playoffs again in 1997, showcasing his continued contribution to the team's success.
1998: MLB All-Star Game MVP
In 1998, Roberto Alomar was named the Most Valuable Player of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
1998: All-Star Game MVP with the Orioles
Roberto Alomar's performance in 1998 earned him the Most Valuable Player award at the MLB All-Star Game while playing for the Baltimore Orioles.
1999: Cleveland Indians Man of the Year
Alomar was named the Cleveland Indians Man of the Year in 1999.
1999: Career-Best Season with the Cleveland Indians
In 1999, while playing for the Cleveland Indians, Roberto Alomar had one of his most productive seasons, setting career highs in several offensive categories.
1999: Career Highs and Playoff Appearance
Roberto Alomar's first season with the Cleveland Indians in 1999 was one of his most impressive. He set career-highs in several offensive categories, including home runs and runs batted in, and helped lead the team to the playoffs.
2001: Second Cleveland Indians Man of the Year Award
Alomar received the Cleveland Indians Man of the Year award for the second time in 2001.
2001: Continued Success and Playoff Run
In 2001, Roberto Alomar continued to excel for the Cleveland Indians, putting up another strong season offensively and contributing to the team's playoff appearance.
2001: Continued Success with the Cleveland Indians
Roberto Alomar continued his strong performance with the Cleveland Indians in 2001, achieving impressive batting statistics and contributing to the team's playoff run.
2002: Trade to the New York Mets
Prior to the start of the 2002 season, Roberto Alomar was traded to the New York Mets. The Mets acquired him in exchange for a package of players that included pitcher Billy Traber and outfielders Matt Lawton and Alex Escobar.
2002: Mediocre Season with the Mets
Roberto Alomar's performance declined in 2002 with the New York Mets, hitting .266/.331/.376 and struggling defensively. Some speculated his decline was due to the intense scrutiny from New York media and fans.
2003: Trade to the White Sox
In 2003, Alomar was traded to the Chicago White Sox midseason, but he couldn't replicate his previous success.
2004: Injury and Return to White Sox
Alomar faced further setbacks in 2004 while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, including a broken right hand that sidelined him for two months. He returned to the White Sox in August, where he finished the season with a .263/.321/.392 batting average in 56 games.
2004: Relationship with Meghann Shaughnessy
Roberto Alomar began a relationship with professional tennis player Meghann Shaughnessy in 2004.
March 19, 2005: Retirement Announcement
After signing with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for the 2005 season, Alomar announced his retirement on March 19, 2005, due to recurring back and vision issues that plagued him during spring training.
2005: Retirement from Baseball
Roberto Alomar retired from professional baseball in 2005 during spring training.
2006: End of Relationship and HIV Allegations
Alomar's relationship with Meghann Shaughnessy ended in 2006. Shaughnessy later accused Alomar of exposing her to HIV. Alomar has faced similar lawsuits from other women, including his ex-wife, and is alleged to have paid millions in settlements related to these claims.
April 4, 2008: Induction into Blue Jays Level of Excellence
On April 4, 2008, Roberto Alomar was honored by the Toronto Blue Jays with his induction into their Level of Excellence at Rogers Centre. The ceremony was held before the team's home opener.
June 1, 2009: Marriage to Maripily Rivera
Roberto Alomar married Puerto Rican model Maripily Rivera on June 1, 2009.
June 19, 2010: Induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
Roberto Alomar received the honor of induction into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Marys, Ontario, on June 19, 2010.
2010: First Year of Hall of Fame Eligibility
Despite receiving the highest percentage of votes (73.7%) ever for a first-year eligible player not elected, Alomar narrowly missed induction into the Hall of Fame in 2010. This near miss was attributed by some to the 1996 spitting incident with umpire John Hirschbeck.
March 31, 2011: Special Assistant to the Blue Jays
Roberto Alomar rejoined the Toronto Blue Jays organization on March 31, 2011, taking on the role of special assistant.
July 12, 2011: Divorce from Maripily Rivera
Roberto Alomar's marriage to Maripily Rivera ended in divorce on July 12, 2011. Rivera had accused Alomar of domestic violence, including threats with a knife, while Alomar claimed Rivera had made financial demands. They reached a private settlement as part of the divorce.
July 24, 2011: Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame
Roberto Alomar was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 24, 2011, in his second year of eligibility. He earned the distinction of being the first player on a Hall of Fame plaque depicted as a Toronto Blue Jay.
July 31, 2011: Number Retirement by the Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays bestowed the honor of retiring Roberto Alomar's number 12 on July 31, 2011, making him the first player in the franchise's history to receive this tribute.
2011: Induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
In 2011, Roberto Alomar was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, becoming the first Hall of Fame member to be depicted as a Blue Jays player on his plaque.
2011: Number Retirement by the Toronto Blue Jays
Shortly after his Hall of Fame induction in 2011, the Toronto Blue Jays retired Roberto Alomar's number 12.
2011: Caribbean Series Dedication and Hall of Fame Induction
The 2011 Caribbean Series was dedicated to Roberto Alomar, followed by his induction into the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame.
December 12, 2012: Marriage to Kim Perks
Roberto Alomar married Kim Perks, a Toronto native, on December 12, 2012, at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
August 3, 2013: Induction into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame
Roberto Alomar was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame on August 3, 2013.
November 12, 2013: Launch of Alomar Baseball
Roberto Alomar launched his own line of baseball equipment, branded as Alomar Baseball, on November 12, 2013.
2014: Sexual Harassment Allegations
A female staff member of the Toronto Blue Jays accused Roberto Alomar of sexual harassment in 2014, leading to an MLB investigation and his subsequent dismissal from baseball in 2021.
2014: Allegations of Sexual Misconduct
Allegations of sexual misconduct against Roberto Alomar surfaced, dating back to 2014.
2014: Birth of First Daughter
Roberto Alomar and his wife Kim Perks welcomed their first daughter in 2014.
September 24, 2015: Induction into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame
Roberto Alomar was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in Toronto on September 24, 2015.
2017: Special Consultant for MLB
In 2017, Roberto Alomar was appointed as a special consultant by Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, focusing on promoting and expanding baseball in Puerto Rico.
July 2020: Expansion Team in Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente
Roberto Alomar established an expansion team, RA12, named after his initials and jersey number, within the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente in July 2020. The team, based in San Juan, began playing in the 2020-21 season. Alomar also joined the LBPRC Board of Directors.
April 2021: Banishment from Baseball and Removal from Blue Jays' Level of Excellence
In April 2021, following an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to 2014, Roberto Alomar was banned from baseball by MLB. The Toronto Blue Jays also removed him from their Level of Excellence and took down his retired number banner at Rogers Centre.
April 30, 2021: Dismissal from MLB and Blue Jays
Roberto Alomar was terminated from his positions with both the Toronto Blue Jays and Major League Baseball on April 30, 2021. This action followed allegations of sexual harassment made against him by a female employee of the Blue Jays, dating back to 2014. An investigation by MLB led to his placement on the league's ineligible list, effectively banning him from baseball. The Blue Jays also cut all ties with him, removing his recognitions from the Rogers Centre. He remains in the Hall of Fame, but his number 12 was unofficially unretired on August 1, 2023.
August 1, 2023: Number Unofficially Unretired
Roberto Alomar's number 12 was unofficially unretired by the Blue Jays on August 1, 2023, when newly-acquired pitcher Jordan Hicks wore the number upon entering a game.
