Tim "Rock" Raines played the first 12 seasons of his 23 year career with the Montreal Expos (now known as the Washington Nationals). His first tenure with the Expos lasted the entire 80's decade and during that time he made the all-star team seven times in a row.
There's no denying that Mr. Raines was a nightmare to pitchers. Sure he wasn't Rickey Henderson... but then again... not many will ever touch Rickey's numbers.
However... there are some things that Mr. Raines accomplished that even Henderson couldn't. He stole 70 or more bases during his first seven full seasons as a leadoff hitter. According to Baseball Almanac, he also has the second highest stolen base percentage (.857). Only Carlos Beltran has a higher percentage. During the 80's, he stole 583 bases which was second only to Henderson. He finished his career with 808 stolen bases and currently has the 5th most swipes in major league history.
In addition to stealing bases, the Rock could hit. During the 80's, he had the 8th highest batting average. His speed helped him rope 76 triples, which was the third most during the decade. Raines also had the 5th highest total in runs scored and the 5th highest on-base percentage during the 80's.
His career numbers aren't up there with the greatest of all-time, but they're not shabby either. It's debatable whether or not he'll make it into baseball's HOF. Which leads us to today's question of the day: Will Tim Raines eventually make it into Cooperstown?
I hope you're enjoying your weekend. Goodnight!
I don't think he'll get in. His numbers compare favorably to those that played during his time, but I think all that time up in the CA hurts him. One things for sure, that's one sweet card Mark.
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