Roberto Alomar in Cooperstown, New York, 2011. Photo courtesy Mental Lint/Wikipedia.Roberto Alomar in Cooperstown, New York, 2011. Photo courtesy Mental Lint/Wikipedia.
Windsor

Blue Jays Hall of Famer Alomar on baseball's ineligible list

The Toronto Blue Jays have cut ties with a Hall of Fame second baseman.

Major League Baseball announced Friday afternoon that it had placed Roberto Alomar on its ineligible list, after allegations of sexual misconduct were made public.

"At my office’s request, an independent investigation was conducted by an external legal firm to review an allegation of sexual misconduct reported by a baseball industry employee earlier this year involving Mr. Alomar in 2014," said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. "Having reviewed all of the available evidence from the now completed investigation, I have concluded that Mr. Alomar violated MLB’s policies, and that termination of his consultant contract and placement on MLB’s Ineligible List are warranted."

The Blue Jays soon after announced that the club was ending its association with Alomar, effective immediately. The team said it will remove Alomar's retired number 12 from the Rogers Centre rafters, and his name from the Blue Jays Level of Excellence.

Alomar was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011. The Hall, located in Cooperstown, New York, announced it will keep Alomar's plaque on display.

https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/1388185696578453505

Details on the allegations have not been disclosed. Alomar responded with a statement of his own.

"I am disappointed, surprised, and upset with today’s news. With the current social climate, I understand why Major League Baseball has taken the position they have," said Alomar. "My hope is that this allegation can be heard in a venue that will allow me to address the accusation directly. I will continue to spend my time helping kids pursue their baseball dreams."

Alomar had kept strong ties with the Blue Jays, despite only playing in Toronto from 1991 to 1995. Upon retirement from playing in 2004, he worked with the Jays as an ambassador, creating opportunities in youth baseball in both Canada and his native Puerto Rico. He last served the Jays as a special assistant until his position was cut last season.

Alomar is also inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame (CBHF) and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. The CBHF said via Twitter Friday that although Alomar will remain as an inductee, the Hall will not associate with him or Alomar's foundation, or invite him to any future events.

https://twitter.com/CDNBaseballHOF/status/1388201795864965123

As long as someone is on the MLB Ineligible List, they are not permitted to work with any MLB major league or affiliated minor league club, as an employee or an independent contractor.

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