Roberto Alomar back with Jays as special assistant

One of the best players to ever wear the Blue Jays uniform is joining the team's front office.

Former star second baseman Roberto Alomar has been named to the position of special assistant to the organization.

"I am very excited to officially join the Toronto Blue Jays again," Alomar said Thursday in a statement. "However, I feel like I have never left. I take great pride in being a Blue Jay and to be able to call both Toronto and Canada my home."

Alomar, 43, spent five seasons with the Blue Jays and helped the team to World Series titles in 1992 and 1993. He will be the first player with a Blue Jay cap on his plaque when he's inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 24.

"This is the only place Roberto should be," said team president Paul Beeston. "He is, and will always be, a Blue Jay. The passion and desire to be his best for his team that found him a home in the Hall of Fame, still drives Robbie today. It leaves no doubt in my mind he will be successful in this new role."

Alomar, a 12-time all-star, collected 2,724 hits, 210 homers, 1,134 RBIs, 1,508 runs and 474 steals in 2,379 career games. He came to the Blue Jays in a Dec. 5, 1990 trade with San Diego. The Blue Jays also got Joe Carter in exchange for Tony Fernandez and Fred McGriff in a deal that transformed the franchise.

Alomar was a defensive wizard and also became an offensive force for Toronto, gaining a reputation among his teammates as a player who could be counted on to deliver the big hit. He won 10 Gold Glove Awards over his 17 seasons in the big leagues.

The club said Alomar will support efforts in baseball operations and in the community.

"This is a great move for our organization on many levels," general manager Alex Anthopoulos said. "The feedback that we received from his work during the instructional camp last fall was tremendous. He will be a great addition to our organization in providing our players the finest instruction possible."