#12

It could not have been more of a perfect day for Roberto Alomar day. A packed and loud Rogers Centre with the roof rolled back, and the sun shining bright for the unveiling of his number 12. The first Blue Jay to have his number retired in the club’s 35 year history (Jackie Robinson’s #42 is retired throughout Major League Baseball). 

 First, thank you to the fans for being patient before the ceremony started. I helped clear a path for Alomar’s RCMP escort down section 114 and on to the field. The crowd roared on the concourse the moment he arrived, shaking hands and giving high-fives all the way down to the field.

The ceremony was fantastic. Having Alomar’s former teammates, manager and his family on stage was very special. Hearing the 45,000+ fans chanting “Robbie!” gave me goose bumps, and when his #12 banner was dropped beside the 1993 World Series banner, the crowd cheered as loud as possible giving him a standing ovation. It is a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.

Robbie Alomar was my favourite position player on the Blue Jays growing up (Tom Henke being my favourite pitcher). I tried to emulate his game whenever I took the field. I attempted those unbelievable, diving catches robbing base hits, or the head-first slide while stealing second. I remember going to see him play when he returned to Toronto as a Baltimore Oriole.  It was a Thursday night and went down to field level on the first base side where there was a mob of fans. Somehow I squeezed my way to the front and Alomar signed my hat (It was a Pig Pen hat and ironically it was the night before his incident).  But it was one of the biggest thrills as a kid and one I will always remember.

Blue Jays President, Paul Beeston, was correct when he said that having Alomar’s number the first in franchise history is a very high standard to begin with. And was right in saying it will be a long time before the next one happens. His numbers and achievements speak for themselves:

-          - 12 straight All-Star appearances

-          - 10 Gold Glove awards (including six consecutive)

-          - 4x Silver Slugger award (first in 1992)

-          - 1992 ALCS MVP

-          - 2x World Series champion

-          - First Blue Jay to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

Watching his game-tying home run in the ’92 ALCS yesterday repeatedly gave me chills every time. If he does not hit that home run, they are in a deep hole and probably do not go on to the World Series.

You could argue who the next one could or should be. Roy Halladay, Carlos Delgado, or Dave Stieb just to name a few potential candidates. 

There is no doubt that the five years we got to watch Alomar play, he was the best player not only at his position, but the best in the game during that time with his multiple big hits, and numerous highlight reel defensive plays. There is and very unlikely will there be a better second baseman than Roberto Alomar. Thank you Robbie for playing the game the way you did, the right way.

Until next time,

*Tomahawk chop*

Let’s Go Blue Jays!

Twitter: @ChaseHadden