Fans say 'thank you' to Sandy Alomar

By ROB TODOR
VINDICATOR SPORTS EDITOR
CLEVELAND -- Sandy Alomar went hitless in his Chicago White Sox debut. But that disappointment will be lost in the sands of time when the All-Star catcher remembers his first official day in a Chicago uniform.
The 11-year veteran of the Cleveland Indians was introduced prior to Monday's opener and received a two-minute long standing ovation and a tribute on the video board at Jacobs Field.
He received a second standing ovation when he came to bat in the third inning.
"That [introduction] was something that will stay with me the rest of my life," said Alomar. "It was an emotional time. I just want to thank the fans."
Gestures: Alomar responded with a bow and removed his hat. He also raised both fists in response.
Alomar joked that the opening ceremony was tinged only by an encounter he had with Slider, the Indians' mascot.
"He came up and hugged me and poked me in the neck with something," laughed Alomar. "I don't know if he had nails or something sticking out holding his suit together, but I felt something."
The moment wasn't lost on Alomar's new teammates.
"I had the feeling [during the opening ceremony] that we stole something from the fans," said first baseman Paul Konerko. "It's obvious they really like the guy. I thought it was a real class act by the fans."
Frank Thomas, the White Sox's designated hitter, added: "I didn't expect it and I'm sure [Alomar] didn't expect it either. It was easy to see he was overwhelmed by the response."