Roberto Alomar and his wife handing out gifts to children at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital., NYC (Photo:LSV Aris Sakellaridis)

Danny Torres: Opinion on Alomar and Hall of Fame

“Shocked…Denied…Snubbed? These are just a few reactionary words that appeared in numerous websites and newspapers throughout the country. Future HOF’er, Roberto Alomar Velázquez, in his first year of eligibility would have to wait another year to be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Will it happen in 2011? Absolutely!!!

Because of the overwhelming response after it was announced that Alomar only received 397 votes (73.7) and missed being able to stand along side Andre Dawson by only eight votes, many wondered…what happened? Firstly, his stats- 2,724 career hits, 474 stolen bases, 10 Gold-gloves, 12 All-Star appearances, a lifetime batting average of .300 and let’s not forget 2 World Series rings. No brainer…He’s got my vote, first ballot, hands down…

The reason he’s not in…A watery, clear substance called saliva or as we like to call it using the nonscientific term-SPIT. In 1996, Alomar became enraged with umpire John Hirschbeck and took it upon himself in spitting in the umpire’s direction. Was all forgiven between the two parties? Yes. Did this occur 14 years ago? Yes. I’m sure the BBWAA writers have heard of this biblical quote… “He who is without sin cast the first stone".

Ken Rosenthal, a senior sports journalist stated in his piece, “Our membership is too bloated too riddled with voters who do not take the process seriously enough to EDUCATE themselves properly.”

I take it a step further...of the 539 votes, how many BBWAA writers are of Latino, African-American ancestry? Would a site such as LatinoSports.com where writers go to practically every game throughout the season be considered for membership? Sign me up for the BBWAA.

Hey Robbie…you’re in 2011. Enough said…See you in Cooperstown and when you step up to the podium, don’t forget Roberto Clemente didn’t have the opportunity to speak to his family, friends and fans that memorable, historic day. Remember, he was the first native Latino inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In 2011, speak for him and every Puerto Rican who will be so very proud of your accomplishments-on the field and hopefully off the field in EDUCATING as you will be officially introduced as an inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

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Aris Sakellaridis: Roberto Velasquez Alomar, Second 2 None

On this Three Kings Day, 2pm came and went.  There will be no Hall of Fame induction for possibly the greatest second baseman in the history of the game.  The cry of wait till next year took the place of the absent 2pm phone call.  But don’t cry for Roberto Alomar, he’s headed back to his new home in Tampa, Florida, with his new wife Maripily and their son Jose.  For Alomar life goes on and with his .300 lifetime batting average to go with his ten Gold Gloves (most by any second baseman) lets just say the writers blew it.

At 73.7 percent of the vote Alomar just missed being inducted by only eight votes.  He should be a cinch to get into Cooperstown next year, but with these so called expertise voters, who knows?  Alomar will still have a .300 lifetime average and ten Gold Gloves next year, the year after and every year after that.  What kept him from getting in this year, was it the famed spitting incident?  The first person Alomar called after finding out this won’t be his year was umpire John Hirschbeck.  Alomar informed him he was okay and we’ll get them next year.  He made sure to let Hirschbeck know the incident was a thing of the past and it’s all good.  He then addressed reporters in his Queens home with the style and grace that made him one of the slickest fielders of all time. 

Twenty-four hours earlier Alomar and his family shared the love by handing out gifts to children at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.  This time his family loved him back by comforting his near miss.

Congratulations Andre Dawson, you most definitely belong, and for Bert Blyleven your time will come.  Roberto Velasquez Alomar got dissed and he handled it like a champ and just for that alone he’ll continue to be “Second 2 None.”