Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

Today's Hidden Gem: Sandy Alomar, Jr.

Definitely a fan favorite in the city of Cleveland with Indians' fans.

This weekend Sandy Alomar, Jr. came back to Cleveland for his induction into the Cleveland Indians' Hall of Fame capping off one of the most emotional weeks for Indians' fans in years--some say since the Rocky Colavito trade in 1960.

He was inducted with pitcher Wes Ferrell, and former Owners Bill Veeck and Dick Jacobs, all great in their own right each carving out special places for themselves in all of our hearts.

The crowd gave Alomar a deafening standing ovation when his picture came up on the scoreboard, then his plaque was unveiled and then he entered the playing field on the long walk to the pitcher's mound. He took a ceremonious ride around the field waving to fans thanking them as they continue showing their love for this endearing ballplayer.

It's ironic that we received one of our most cherished players in a big trade sending home run hitter Joe Carter to San Diego for Alomar, Carlos Baerga and Chris James after the 1989 baseball season.

Alomar immediately made his mark by starting in the 1990 All-Star game and then being named 1990 AL Rookie of the Year.

His many accolades and honors are part of the reason he has been chosen this week's Hidden Gem!

Alomar has always embraced the city of Cleveland and its fans.

He gave his all, even through the years he struggled with knee and back injuries.

He'd sign autographs until there were no more to sign.

He made numerous public appearances and still comes back to Cleveland on occasion.

Part of this devotion may stem from growing up in the baseball world having a father and brother also in the game. Alomar's father, Sandy Alomar Sr, played in the major leagues for nearly 15 years and continues in many capacities today. We all know Sandy's brother, Roberto, who was a Cleveland Indian from 1999-2001 as part of the greatest ss-2b duo with Omar Vizquel.

Alomar was truly a team leader who thought of his fellow players, the fans, and winning first and foremost.

When Sandy was in town this weekend, he spoke about his memories here, the amazing times he had in the early to mid 90's as the Tribe made the playoffs 5 years in a row from 1995-1999.

1997 was a special year for him--too many honors to list. But 2 that come to mind are winning the MVP of the All-Star Game right here in Cleveland and his 30-game hitting streak.

Alomar acknowledged his 1997 career season but recalled that his greatest memories are from the post season with his teammates. He really did not care about individual stats unless it helped his team in some small way get to the big show!

My family was fortunate to see Sandy Alomar, Jr. in action personally and witness how great he really was off the field as well as on!

Sandy was my oldest niece's favorite player. She wrote to him on many occasions. She had the distinct honor of receiving at least one phone call from him (I think there were actually 2). On one of his disabled list stints, he took the time to call her up and thank her for her support and her wonderful fan letters.

My family would travel around the country following the Tribe and visiting as many ballparks as possible.

We were fortunate to be in Baltimore to not only see Sandy Alomar play his first game after a long stretch on the DL but to also see Bob Ojeda pitch his first game back after the awful Cleveland Indians' boating tragedy on Little Lake Nellie.

Baltimore fans and Cleveland fans alike cheered for both of these warriors.

On another occasion, we were on the road with 'the boys' and said hello to Sandy. He remembered my niece and thanked her again for her support. He asked her younger sister who her favorite player was and she was honest and said Omar. Much to my demise, I was wearing a Herbert Perry t-shirt at the time under a button-up shirt. Sandy did not even ask me who my favorite player was but glanced at my shirt and just rolled his eyes!

I'm sure every Cleveland fan has a special memory of Sandy Alomar, Jr.

He epitomizes the true essence of a major league ballplayer. If the Indians' were smart (and I'm not sure what they are right now after the events of last week), they would set their sights on Sandy Alomar, Jr. and get him back to Cleveland in some capacity to take us to the next level and back on the road to the World Series!