Interview: Catching Up With Roberto Alomar
"Look! It's Robbie!" Blue Jays infielder Kevin Vicuña said excitedly, pointing to a picture of Roberto Alomar in the children's book he was holding out for teammate Deiferson Barreto to look at. The book, titled The History of the Toronto Blue Jays, had been provided by a local elementary school
"Look! It's Robbie!" Blue Jays infielder Kevin Vicuña said excitedly, pointing to a picture of Roberto Alomar in the children's book he was holding out for teammate Deiferson Barreto to look at. The book, titled The History of the Toronto Blue Jays, had been provided by a local elementary school for the players to read to students during their visit to local schools to encourage literacy as part of the Blue Jays' Bookin' It To The Ballpark reading program.
"He's a person that knows how to teach in a way that you learn fast," Vicuna said about Alomar. "He gains the confidence of the player very quickly, which is very important. The most important thing that he taught me is to always work harder than anyone else. To work like I'm the worst player to become the best player. He is a great role model."
Alomar visited Dunedin for a week in early May, working with the Dunedin Blue Jays players on both their fielding skills and their mindset as part of his role as a roving instructor for the Blue Jays organization. The Hall of Fame second baseman was on the field and in the dugout with the team each day of his visit to Dunedin, giving pointers as the infielders fielded ground balls in batting practice and offering advice throughout the games.
"I come here and try to help the kids be in the right mindset and give them advice about the game," Alomar said when asked about his goals as a roving instructor. "What I do most is work on their mindset, that we believe in them and that they should go out there and believe in themselves and great things are going to happen. My theory is to survive in this game, you have to believe in your talent."
Blue Jays second baseman Cavan Biggio, who is no stranger to Hall of Fame infielders given his heritage (his father Craig Biggio was a Hall of Fame second baseman), relished the opportunity to work with and learn from Alomar.
"Having the opportunity to talk about playing the position that he is considered the greatest at was a really cool experience. We talked about turning double plays, and he talked about simplifying the game and making it as easy as possible. This game can be really hard at times, and the easier you make it on yourself, it can really help your game."
As veteran of 17 Major League seasons, Alomar understands the rigors of the baseball season and tries to impress that upon the players he works with.
"This is not an easy game. You have to work hard every day if you want to accomplish something. You have to be ready physically always to play this game. You're going to get hit by the ball. You're going to get tired. You're going to get fatigued. You have to be prepared for all that."
Dunedin infielder Juan Kelly took Alomar's words on preparation to heart.
"I learned that if I'm prepared correctly, I can play through pain. I can play through being tired. If I get hit by a pitch, it will hurt but it will pass and I can continue playing."
As a roving instructor, Alomar has chosen to endure the rigors of a minor league season himself, traveling from affiliate to affiliate in the Blue Jays system to work with players. Although it's not the typical lifestyle for a Hall of Famer in retirement, it's one he hopes to continue to do for many years.
"I love the game. I love helping others. I appreciate every day that I do this. It's always fun when you help a young guy and in the end you can say you were a part of his success," Alomar said before letting himself reminisce a little on his playing days. "I will not lie, I would love to be playing the game. But knowing that I can't play the game anymore, I enjoy coming to the ballpark every day and enjoy being surrounded by the ballplayers. I'm just thinking about the moment and enjoying everything I do."
Beyond his work with Blue Jays prospects, Alomar keeps busy during his time away from the field. He has started his own bat company in Toronto, Alomar Baseball, and also runs a sports events company, Alomar Sports, that hosts different sporting events throughout the year to raise money for his Foundation 12 charity which supports youth baseball initiatives across Canada. Alomar also serves as a special advisor to the commissioner of Major League Baseball.
"My hands are full," Alomar said with a laugh about his busy schedule away from the Blue Jays. "I'm going to continue what I'm doing now, helping youth to stay on the right path so they can enjoy playing baseball. For me, I take pride in what I do and I love the game. By loving the game and liking to help others, I appreciate every day."
MiLB podcast previews Futures Game, MLB Draft
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Podcast: New Erie identity, new ballparks, new Top 100
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
How clubs across Minor League Baseball are celebrating PLAY BALL Weekend
PLAY BALL Weekend is almost here, and Minor League clubs have put together an exciting calendar of events to celebrate MLB’s youth engagement initiative. Some clubs are hosting youth clinics or other events in their home ballparks while others are bringing the joy of baseball and softball into the local
Here are the weirdest plays and stats from MiLB in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Podcast features first-base promotions for Caglianone, Eldridge
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Cubs' Rojas, Mets' Tong headline May's Minor League Players of the Month
Minor League Baseball announced the Player and Pitcher of the Month Award winners for May in Major League Baseball’s player development system.
Minor League Baseball, Joe Torre Safe At Home partnership enters ninth year
For the ninth year, Minor League Baseball and Joe Torre Safe At Home have teamed up to raise awareness about violence and abuse and to inspire fans of all ages to join them in SAH’s critical work. This year, 63 MiLB teams will participate in an in-ballpark initiative from May
MiLB podcast discusses Anthony, Caglianone at Triple-A
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
These are the greatest Minor League promos happening in June
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
New playoff format coming to 2025 Dominican Summer League
Minor League Baseball announced the 2025 Dominican Summer League (DSL) season will begin June 2 with Opening Day festivities taking place at the Boston Red Sox Academy in Guerra. The 2025 campaign will also see the introduction of the DSL Cup, a new playoff format that will see 16 DSL
Debating best Minor League home caps on podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
The Omaha Storm Chasers' 'Take Meow-t' cat night included a Litter Box Sundae
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Boston's Triple-A affiliate throws birthday bash for Roman Anthony
With all the hype that has surrounded Roman Anthony over the past two seasons, it’s easy to forget how young he really is. MLB's No. 1 prospect played 70 games at the highest level of the Minors before he could order a beer. But he can now. Roman Anthony turned
Friendly foes, 2024 first-rounders Moore and Caglianone trade first Triple-A homers
For years, Christian Moore and Jac Caglianone laced up their cleats against one another in the SEC. A rivalry that spanned Florida, Tennessee and other landmarks across the South moved to Salt Lake City this week as the Royals and Angels' top prospects got simultaneous Triple-A promotions. So it was
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most