Toronto Blue Jays great Roberto Alomar has been announced as a special consultant to Major League Baseball in Puerto Rico.
The Hall of Famer and 12-time all-star will focus on youth development in his homeland and serve as an ambassador at events and development initiatives on the island. Alomar will advise Commissioner Rob Manfred’s office on any issues related to youth baseball.
“I look forward to Roberto playing a role in our youth initiatives in Puerto Rico and contributing to our Pipeline Program,” Manfred said in a press release. “With many exciting young Puerto Rican players in our game today we have a great opportunity to take strides forward in the years ahead.”
“I am pleased that Roberto will be a part of building on Puerto Rico’s rich baseball tradition.”
Alomar was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico and his impressive baseball career was highlighted by two World Series rings with Toronto. The second baseman won 10 gold gloves and had his No. 12 retired by the Blue Jays upon his induction into Cooperstown in 2011.
“We have a proud history and a great passion for the game of baseball in Puerto Rico and I am very excited to play a role in the development of our youth,” Alomar said in a statement.
Puerto Rico has been one of the intriguing storylines at the World Baseball Classic this year. Led by veteran catcher Yadier Molina and a young core of infielders in Francisco Lindor, Carlos Correa and Javier Baez, they stunned the baseball world by handing the Domonican Republic their first WBC loss since 2009 — a testament to their strength in player development.
Alomar will assist in MLB’s efforts to continue developing players, coaches, managers and front office personnel.
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