The baseball world is mourning the death of former All-Star Sandy Alomar Sr at the age of 81.
Alomar Sr played for the likes of the Yankees and Mets, and was an All-Star with the then-California Angels in 1970, before retiring to become a coach.
He was also the father of 1990 Rookie of the Year and six-time All-Star Sandy Alomar Jr, and Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar.
No cause of death has yet been announced.
The news of his passing was first revealed by Major League Baseball, with a statement that read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Major League player and coach Sandy Alomar Sr.
‘The Puerto Rico native played for six different teams across his 15-year playing career and was an American League All-Star for the Angels in 1970. He totaled 227 stolen bases, including a career-high 39 in 1971.
Sandy Alomar Jr watches on during his time as the New York Mets bench coach in 2009
Alomar Sr (center) stands alongside his two legendary sons: Roberto (left) and Sandy Jr (right)
‘He went on to coach for several Major League teams through 2009. He is the father of 1990 AL Rookie of the Year and 6-time All-Star Sandy Alomar Jr and Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar. Alomar Sr was 81 years old.’
On X, baseball writer Bob Nightengale referred to Alomar Sr as ‘truly one of the beloved legends of baseball.’
One fan added: ‘It’s wild how some names like Sandy Alomar Sr. might not grab the spotlight today but they laid down the foundations that shaped baseball in so many ways.’
A third wrote: ‘RIP to a legend.’
Alomar Sr began his baseball career back in 1960 with the Milwaukee Braves, moving with the team to Atlanta in 1966.
Alomar slides home safe during a game for the New York Yankees back in 1975 in the Bronx
Alomar Sr poses with his bat during his time with the Texas Rangers in 1978
He was traded to the New York Mets in 1967, but only managed 12 games in the major leagues before being sent to the minors.
It was with the Chicago White Sox that he became a big-league regular, and then in 1970 with the California Angels he was named an All-Star after hitting .250, a career-high 82 runs, and a career-tying 162 games played.
He went on to join the New York Yankees in 1974, and then the Texas Rangers from 177 to 1978, where he finished his playing career after 15 years.
He then coached across the league, with the Padres, Cubs, Rockies and Mets, before finally calling a day on his baseball career in 2009.
