TORONTO

When it comes to the 2016 Blue Jays, Robbie Alomar says this year’s edition is the real deal.

“We have pitching, we have a solid bullpen, we have veterans, we have good defence, we have power — I think we have everything,” he told the Toronto Sun during a Help Strike-Out Arthritis event sponsored by Aleve and the Blue Jays. “It’s now up to the players to go out there and play the game the way they know how and win it all.”

A 12-time All-Star and World Series champion with the 1992-’93 Blue Jays, Alomar signed with the San Diego Padres in 1988 and retired with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004. But Toronto is where his heart is.

“I might be retired from the game, but I’m not retired from the people and the fans and the youth,” he says. “That’s why I stay in Toronto to continue to give back to the community and to teach kids all over Canada the game of baseball.”

During the rest of our conversation, the Hall of Fame second-baseman, who is a special adviser to the team, reflected on being a Toronto sports icon and revealed the teams he thinks could pose the biggest threat to this year’s Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays are one of the hottest tickets in town. What’s it like for you to see that level of excitement back in Toronto?

It’s great for the city. It’s great for baseball. It’s great for the organization. The fans have been incredible and hopefully we can continue the roll.

How do you think this year’s team stacks up against the ’92-’93-era teams?

The only difference is, we already have a legacy and this year’s team is on their way to their own legacy. That’s the only difference. We won and they are going to win — I’m positive of that — so if we’re going to pick a difference, that’s the only one.

What’s it like to be such an iconic figure in Toronto sports history?

It’s amazing that people still respect you and how people still follow you and know who you are. It’s been 20-something years that I haven’t played [here] and you appreciate that. It means I did something good in the city and that I’m continuing to do something good in the city.

Do you ever think back and wish you retired as a Blue Jay?

I wish that I had retired as a Blue Jay. I wish I had come here for one day and then retired. But it didn’t come up, and it didn’t occur to me at the time. Sometimes that’s life. The good thing is, I’m back. Paul Beeston gave me a chance to work with the team before he left. So I’ve been with the organization for five, six years and I couldn’t ask for anything better.

What are the keys for this year’s Blue Jays team to win?

If we can stay healthy and do the right things when it’s time to do the right things — especially during the playoffs when every pitch counts, every at bat, every defensive play — we will go all the way.

Who’s our biggest threat?

There’s a few — there’s Texas, Detroit’s playing great, there’s Cleveland — who people don’t talk about — if Seattle gets in, they have some great players. But I think any team that makes it into the playoffs can be a threat. You cannot take anyone lightly.

It’s been 25 years since Toronto hosted an MLB All-Star Game. Isn’t it time we get one coming back here?

I would love it. I remember when I was here in ’91 and I played in that All-Star Game. Hopefully we get that chance again. I think it would be a great thing for Toronto fans to get to experience.

What advice would you give young athletes?

My advice to them is to continue to work hard and continue to believe in themselves. And remember to dream big. When you dream big, good things will happen. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a ballplayer and I used to ask my dad how I could become a good ballplayer and he said: “There’s only one way to find out. Believe in yourself and go out there and play.”

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From Aug. 23 to Sept. 29, every time a Blue Jay relief pitcher strikes out a player during a home game, ALEVE will make a $1,200 donation to the Arthritis Society of Canada. ALEVE will further donate $2,500 for a game-ending strikeout.

Twitter: @markhdaniell

MDaniell@postmedia.com