1994 Chevy Cavalier sparks

Electrical problem
1994 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

My battery light came on, so I had my alternator checked, it was bad. Igot a new one and installed it, but when I try to hook up the hot wire I get a big spark(like you would get when toching hot to ground).I LEFT THE HOT WIRE OFF THE ALT. And hooked up the battery, I have no horn, wipers, radio, dome light, but I have headlights and brake lights. What would make the hot wire spark like that.P.S. I DISCONNECT THE BATTERY AND HOOK-UP THE HOT ON THE ALT. THEN TRY TO HOOK-UP THE BATTERY I STILL GET A BIG SPARK. SPARKS WHENYOU TRY TO HOOK THE GROUND TO THE BATTERY