Governor declares Friday as day of mourning for death of Alomar Conde

Former major leaguer Santos “Sandy” Alomar Conde, a native of Salinas, during his stint as a member of the New York Mets coaching staff (2005-2009). (Instagram via nym_news)

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón on Wednesday declared this Friday, Oct. 17, as an official day of mourning throughout Puerto Rico, following the death of professional baseball player, coach and manager Santos “Sandy” Alomar Conde, an iconic figure in national and international baseball.

The decision reflects the date designated by the Alomar family for the former major leaguer’s wake and burial. In compliance with the decree, all flags in public buildings will fly at half-staff as a sign of respect for the career and legacy of the Salinas native.

“Puerto Rican baseball loses one of its giants: Santos Alomar. The people of Puerto Rico deeply mourn the passing of Santos Alomar, one of the greatest figures in Puerto Rican baseball,” the governor said in a written statement. “His legacy as a player, manager, and mentor transcended generations, leaving a profound impact both locally and nationally by playing 15 seasons in the Major Leagues.”

“On behalf of the Government of Puerto Rico, we express our sincere condolences to his children, Roberto and Sandy Jr., and to the entire Alomar family,” González Colón added. “His example of discipline, humility, and love for Puerto Rico will live forever in the memory of our people.”

Alomar Conde, who died Monday at age 81, was born on Oct. 19, 1943, in Salinas. He played in the Major Leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. He later coached for the Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and Mets.

Alomar Conde was the father of fellow major leaguers Roberto Alomar, a National Baseball Hall of Famer, and Santos “Sandy” Alomar Jr., a coach for the Cleveland Guardians. He was inducted into the Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame, the Ponce Hall of Immortals, the Professional Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Salinas and Guayama Halls of Fame.