Sandy Alomar Sr., a former All-Star infielder who spent 15 seasons in Major League Baseball and later built a respected coaching career while raising two sons who became baseball stars, died on Monday, October 13, 2025. Major League Baseball confirmed his death that day. He was 81 years old, just six days shy of his 82nd birthday on October 19.
A native of Salinas, Puerto Rico, Alomar originally signed with the Milwaukee Braves as an amateur free agent for approximately $12,000 before the 1960 season. He made his major league debut on September 15, 1964, with the Braves at age 20, appearing in 19 games down the stretch. Over his playing career, he suited up for six different teams: the Braves, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers.
The speedster found his most productive years with the Angels, where he played from 1969 through 1973. He earned his only All-Star selection in 1970 and played 648 consecutive games with the club before breaking his leg in September 1973. Known more for his defensive skills and speed than his bat, Alomar stole 35 bases in 1970 and reached a career-high 39 stolen bases in 1971. That same year, he led the American League with 689 at-bats and 739 plate appearances.
After leaving the Angels, Alomar joined the Yankees from 1974 to 1976, helping them reach the World Series in 1976, though he saw limited action in the postseason. He went 0-for-1 with a caught stealing in two games during the American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals. The Yankees were swept by the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series that year. Alomar finished his playing career with the Rangers in 1977 and 1978.
Over his 15-year career, Alomar batted .245 with a .290 on-base percentage and .288 slugging percentage. He collected 1,168 hits, including 126 doubles, 19 triples, and 13 home runs, while driving in 282 runs and stealing 227 bases across 1,481 games. He demonstrated versatility in the field, playing 1,156 games at second base, 197 at shortstop, 43 at third base, 14 at first base, eight in the outfield, and 43 as a designated hitter.
Following his playing days, Alomar transitioned into coaching and management. He returned to Puerto Rico to manage in the Puerto Rican Winter League and led the Puerto Rican national team. The Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Cleveland Indians) indicated that Alomar’s family informed the team about his death on Monday. His son Sandy Jr. currently serves on the Guardians’ staff.
Alomar’s coaching career in the major leagues included stints with the San Diego Padres as third-base coach from 1986 to 1990, followed by positions with the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, and New York Mets through the 2000s. His coaching career extended until 2009, spanning over two decades.
The Alomar name became synonymous with baseball excellence through his two sons. Sandy Alomar Jr. played 20 seasons in the majors as a catcher, earning the 1990 American League Rookie of the Year award and six All-Star selections. Roberto Alomar established himself as one of baseball’s premier second basemen, earning 12 All-Star selections and winning 10 Gold Glove awards before his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Both sons made their major league debuts with the Padres in 1988 while their father worked as a minor league manager in the organization. He had the unique opportunity to manage both Sandy Jr. and Roberto in the Winter Leagues, helping them develop the skills that would define their professional careers. Alomar and his wife, Maria, also had a daughter named Sandia.
Tony Clark, Executive Director of the MLB Players Association, stated: “The baseball world suffered a great loss today with the passing of Sandy Alomar Sr., whose impact spanned more than five decades as a player, manager, coach, and ambassador for the game in Puerto Rico.”
The Yankees paid tribute to their former player on social media, expressing condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. The Guardians also offered their sympathies on social media, noting that the baseball community mourns his passing.
Alomar’s contributions to baseball extended across multiple generations and continents, from his playing days in the 1960s and 1970s through his coaching career that lasted into the 21st century. His influence on the game continued through his sons’ accomplishments and his work developing players in both the major and minor leagues, as well as in his native Puerto Rico.
