TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays are giving Roberto Alomar their highest honour.

The club announced Tuesday it will retire the former second baseman's No. 12 at a ceremony before the team's July 31 home game with the Texas Rangers.

Alomar dazzled Blue Jays fans throughout his five-year career in Toronto, helping the team win back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and 1993.

It will be the first time the Blue Jays have retired a number worn by one of the team's players in their 35-year history.

"This is an honour that I was not expecting," Alomar said in a statement. "I knew my numbers were worthy of consideration for the Hall of Fame but for the Blue Jays to select my No. 12 to be the first number they retire is a great honour. I am truly blessed to be a Blue Jay and I'm looking forward to the ceremony on July 31st."

Jackie Robinson's number 42 was retired by Major League Baseball in 1997.

"Roberto is a very special part of the Toronto Blue Jays organization and arguably the greatest second baseman of all-time," team president and CEO Paul Beeston said. "His number deserves to be retired so that his contributions and excellence can stand as a model for all those who have the honour of wearing a Blue Jays uniform."

Alomar and former Blue Jays general manager Pat Gillick will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.

A 12-time all-star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, Alomar and outfielder Joe Carter joined the Blue Jays in December 1990 in a trade with the San Diego Padres for infielders Fred McGriff and Tony Fernandez.

Alomar might be best remembered for his ninth-inning home run in Game 4 of the 1992 American League Championship Series off Oakland closer Dennis Eckersley.

His .307 average remains the highest in Blue Jays history (minimum 200 plate appearances) and he also ranks second all-time in steals.

Alomar signed with the Baltimore Orioles after the 1995 season and went on to play with the Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Chicago White Sox and the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In 17 seasons, Alomar batted .300 with 2,724 hits, 210 home runs, 474 steals and 1,134 RBIs.

He was inducted into the Blue Jays Level of Excellence on April 5, 2008.