Only One of a Kind

 What kind of bird has ever showcased remarkable instincts, amazing leadership , and flew swiftly wherever it went? The answer is a Blue Jay. But, it isn't any normal Blue Jay, its the rarest one of its kind. Its the enlightened type of figure in the band of  jays, a leader that the whole squad looks up to in the toughest situations. It's a jay that has taken the whole world by surprise and showcased the hard work put in to succeed. This blue jay was special and is being finally recognized for it.

 This blue jay's name is Roberto Alomar. Alomar, for those who don't know, is a Puerto Rican born baseball player who played in the MLB for 15+ years. He played for several teams but his most notable team was the Toronto Blue Jays. He had his best years in a blue and white uniform leading them to not one, but two World Series championships. Robbie Alomar really defined how a 2nd baseman should play. His flashy catches in the infield, his amazing double play turns, and his determination to improving everyday really set the tone. Not only was he a golden glover consistently throughtout his career, he was also an amazing switch hitter. He was consistent at the plate and did not crack under pressure. When the Jays needed a hit, Robbie was the one who did that. When the Jays needed runs, he wanted to be the go ahead runner. And most of all, when the Jays needed a miracle, he didn't fail to find one. His clutch home run against closer Dennis Eckersly of the Oakland A's was the most defining moment in Blue Jays history. Every Torontonian knows the reaction that Alomar had as soon as he swung that bat.He raised his arms and pointed up at the sky with joy. That hit alone created a buzz in the baseball world and everyone knew this man was going to be one of the best. Now, he is enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He is arguably the best second baseman to ever play this game and is no doubt the best player to wear a blue jay uniform.

 I witnessed history today and I felt like I was in the presence of greatness. The Rogers Centre exploded in cheers for the Hall of Famer and the most important people to Roberto which included former jays players. I was really starstruck to see many Blue Jay greats on the field at the same time. The likes of Cito Gaston, Devon White, Paul Beeston,etc. all enlightened the blue jays crowd. It brought back memories of the glory days in '92 and '93. We relived the greatest moments all over again for a split second. From Alomar's speech, I could really tell how much Toronto means to him. He always said that Toronto was his home away from home and that he never ever regretted anything he did in  his time spent here. Everything happens for a reason right? He was destined to be the greatest blue jay ever and he accomplished that goal.

 Also, I found a little  Alomar story interesting about how an announcer back in the 90s saw how much potential Alomar possessed. When the trade was pulled off by the Jays and the Padres, that announcer said  "the Padres just traded a future hall of famer." (Sorry, that announcer's name escapes me). That is a really big thing to say about a player and what a prediction that was! Anyways, back to Robbie's life.. No matter how popular he was and how much accolades he received, he still stayed humble. Being humble was a lesson taught by his parents and he lived his life and worked through his career using this lesson as his biggest moral.

 Even though I wasn't born to see Alomar and the Jays win the series, I do know how much he means to Toronto and the Jays organization. Now, his number 12 is hung above the rafters and will be forever remembered. I was glad to be a part of such a historical event. Moments like this do not come along often and an accolade of this magnitude are only given to extraordinary people. We are all witnesses. Sorry Lebron, that line doesn't suit you at all!

Roberto Alomar...... the greatest 2nd baseman and the best blue jay ever is now a Hall of Famer. How great is it for the city of Toronto? How great is it for blue jay fans? Only one word can sum up a day like this: Special.  

Anywho, this is Julius and this is what you've found in your Sports Locker! Thanks for caring! :)