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The Toronto Blue Jays have named former standout second baseman Roberto Alomar to the position of special assistant to the organization.

Alomar is the first player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay.

The club says Alomar will "bring his passion, expertise and love for the Blue Jays, baseball and Canada to support efforts in both baseball operations as well as in the community."

General manager Alex Anthopoulos says: "He will be a great addition to our organization in providing our players the finest instruction possible."

Alomar was selected for induction into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Jan. 5, and will enter the Hall on July 24 in Cooperstown, N.Y., with a Blue Jay cap on his plaque.

A 12-time all-star who helped lead the Blue Jays to World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, Alomar was picked on 90 per cent of the ballots. Blyleven was listed on 79.7 per cent, just ahead of the 75 per cent needed for election.

Alomar collected 2,724 hits, 210 homers, 1,134 RBIs, 1,508 runs and 474 steals in 2,379 games. The 10-time Gold Glover had a .300 career average over 17 seasons and was named American League Championship Series MVP in 1992.