A twelve-time All Star, Alomar was with the Cleveland Indians when he signed this document. With 2,724 career hits and a lifetime average of exactly .300, Alomar was one of the finest hitting second sackers in the game. Combine that with his ten Gold Gloves – a record for his position – and it’s easy to see why he’s a member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Many believe Alomar would’ve been a first-ballot selection if not for the spitting incident with umpire John Hirschbeck. The two got into a heated argument after Hirschbeck ejected Alomar. According to Alomar, Hirschbeck called him a derogatory name. That’s when the player spit in the umpire’s face, resulting in a five-game suspension.
Though no one would go on the record, those in the know say that Hirschbeck called him a homophobic slur. The two men eventually patched up their differences. The first time Alomar’s name appeared on the ballot, the second baseman fell 8 votes short coming in at 73.8%.
Hirschbeck then went on record to say he believed Alomar belonged in Cooperstown. The following year voters agreed, naming Alomar on 90% of their ballots.
In the collection is this Topps contract extension for Roberto Alomar who has signed and dated the agreement at the bottom. Dated 2/23/1999, the deal calls for him to make $75 per year for a three-year term from 2002-2004.
During that time, Alomar was at the end of his career. He played for the Mets in 2002 and 2003 until being traded to the White Sox on 7/1/03. In 2004 he signed with Arizona, playing with the Diamondbacks until being dealt to back to the Pale Hose in August.
In 2005 he signed his final big league contract with Tampa Bay though he never appeared with the Rays.