Posted on 01/06/2011 8:59:49 AM PST by Raymann
After coming painfully short in the voting a year ago, former Roberto Alomar got the news he wanted to hear Wednesday.
The former Toronto Blue Jays star infielder is headed to Cooperstown.
Alomar and Bert Blyleven were selected for induction into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
"It's been a happy day for me, for my family, for Puerto Rico and hopefully for the city of Toronto," Alomar said at a news conference at the Rogers Centre.
Alomar, a 12-time all-star who helped lead the Blue Jays to World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, was picked on 90 per cent of the ballots. Blyleven was listed on 79.7 per cent, just ahead of the 75 per cent needed for election.
Alomar said he called his family and former manager Cito Gaston shortly after he got the news.
"When I came here, he embraced me and he gave me the opportunity to play every day," Alomar said. "Like I always say, he taught me so much about this game. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to play for him and with him.
"It was a really touching conversation."
Alomar collected 2,724 hits, 210 homers, 1,134 RBIs, 1,508 runs and 474 steals in 2,379 games. The 10-time Gold Glover had a .300 career average over 17 seasons and was named ALCS MVP in 1992.
(Excerpt) Read more at msn.foxsports.com ...
Alomar the Spitter? In the HOF?
Dale Murphy should already be in, in my opinion.
Babe Ruth punched an umpire and also threw dirt in an umpire’s face. Ty Cobb beat up a fan.
Alomar’s home run off of Eckersley was a truly joyous moment. Carter’s home run off of Williams, well, ya kinda knew Williams was vulnerable; but Eckersley was untouchable.
Bert Blyleven — best curve ball I ever saw.
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