Tim Raines

Tim Raines 2011

Tim Raines

Timothy Raines Sr. (born September 16, 1959) is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) player and coach. He played as a left fielder for six teams from 1979 to 2002, most notably as a member of the Montreal Expos. Raines is regarded as one of the greatest leadoff hitters and baserunners in baseball history.

Early Life and Career

Raines was born in Sanford, Florida. He attended Seminole High School, where he excelled in both baseball and football. After high school, he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the fifth round of the 1977 Major League Baseball draft.

Major League Career

Raines made his MLB debut with the Expos on September 11, 1979. He quickly established himself as a premier leadoff hitter and base stealer. In 1981, he stole 71 bases in a strike-shortened season, earning him the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year award.

Montreal Expos (1979–1990)

Raines spent the majority of his career with the Expos, where he became a seven-time All-Star and won the Silver Slugger Award in 1986. He led the NL in stolen bases four times and finished his Expos career with 635 stolen bases, the most in franchise history.

Chicago White Sox (1991–1995)

In 1991, Raines was traded to the Chicago White Sox. He continued to perform at a high level, helping the team win the American League (AL) Western Division title in 1993.

Later Career

Raines also played for the New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Florida Marlins. He won two World Series championships with the Yankees in 1996 and 1998.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Raines transitioned into coaching. He served as a coach for the Chicago White Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays.

Legacy

Raines was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017. He is widely regarded as one of the best leadoff hitters and baserunners in the history of the game, finishing his career with 808 stolen bases, which ranks fifth all-time.

Personal Life

Raines is the father of Tim Raines Jr., who also played in the MLB. He has been involved in various charitable activities and remains a popular figure in the baseball community.

See Also

• List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders
• List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders
• List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders

External Links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors)