At each Guardians home game at Goodyear Ballpark this spring, Sandy Alomar Jr.¡¯s name was met with loud cheers from the crowd during pregame introductions. The reception will only be louder at Cleveland¡¯s home opener at Progressive Field on Tuesday.
Alomar, Cleveland¡¯s first-base and catching coach, holds a unique place in team history. He spent 11 seasons playing for Cleveland and was a star player who helped the club win a pair of AL pennants. He¡¯s now in his 16th season on the Guardians¡¯ coaching staff, a tenure that has spanned three managers: Manny Acta, Terry Francona and now Stephen Vogt.
In a sport where coaching staff turnover can be routine, Alomar¡¯s longevity stands out. Only Luis Isaac (who was on Cleveland¡¯s staff for 20 seasons from 1987-91 and ¡¯94-08) had a longer coaching tenure with the team. Mel Harder (1948-63) also coached 16 seasons.
¡°This has always been a special place for myself, my family,¡± Alomar said. ¡°They've always embraced me with open arms ever since we got traded here from San Diego [in December 1989]. ¡ When the opportunity presented itself to come back as a coach, it was a no-brainer.
¡°... I didn't know I was going to be here this amount of time. But I have this passion for this game, this organization. I¡¯m looking forward to winning a World Series here.¡±
That trophy would have Alomar¡¯s fingerprints all over it. It¡¯s no coincidence that he¡¯s been a mainstay on Cleveland¡¯s staff for so long. His longevity is a testament to his passion for the Guardians and how integral he continues to be to their success.
¡°Sandy has a unique ability to blend tradition and innovation,¡± assistant general manager Matt Forman said. ¡°He appreciates why things have been done a certain way for a long time, but he's also curious and open-minded and thinking about staying on the cutting edge.
¡°He's able to blend both of those perspectives, from his experiences to thinking about how he could be the best possible coach.¡±
Along with his role as first-base coach, Alomar instructs Guardians catchers and is a key voice in the team¡¯s baserunning game. He has invaluable experience to pull from, having caught 1,324 games over 20 Major League seasons, including 950 with Cleveland, third-most in team history.
Teams also have more information than ever at their disposal in the modern data-driven era, and Alomar embraces that by incorporating it into his coaching process alongside his own lived experiences.
¡°Coaching now compared to six or seven years ago is completely different,¡± Alomar said. ¡°One of the things that we implement in coaching now is biomechanical and body limitations. That way you don't try to teach a player to do something he's not capable of doing. Once you understand many of those things -- you also have the visual, your experience -- you apply that.
¡°You¡¯ve still got to play the game. It's still baseball like it was many years ago. But there are resources out there that can help you kind of break down a player to put him in the best [position] to succeed.¡±
The Guardians have ranked in the top five in the Majors in stolen bases each of the past four seasons. One common thread has been the man in the first-base coach¡¯s box. All-Star left fielder Steven Kwan credited Alomar for being an easing presence.
¡°He sees so many crazy things at first base -- tips on pitchers, times,¡± Kwan said. ¡°He helps me with stolen bases a ton. I'm not a natural base stealer. But with him, it makes it really easy. He knows when to take chances, who can do what, and he knows when to shut it down.
¡°He's extremely good at what he does. I think a lot of baserunners have him to thank for that.¡±
Alomar comes from a rich baseball family. His father, Sandy Alomar Sr., played 15 seasons in the Majors and was a longtime coach. His brother, Roberto Alomar, played 17 seasons (three with Cleveland) and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
The family does not take for granted the longevity they have each enjoyed at the game¡¯s highest level.
¡°We are very appreciative of the opportunity we have to be in this game and big league baseball, man,¡± Alomar said. ¡°This is the top, so you have to be very appreciative and grateful for the opportunities you get and continue getting. I cherish every moment.¡±