30 Years Raines

Last night in Montreal, Tim Raines newly and in my opinion, rightfully elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, received a great ovation when he was introduced before a National Hockey League game between the Canadiens and Florida Panthers.

I could not help but recall a night nearly 30 years earlier, Saturday May 2, 1987, when I spoke with the always friendly and personable Mr. Raines via phone from a New York City hotel room where he and the baseball Montreal Expos were staying.

Earlier in the day, Raines had returned to baseball with an incredible performance in his first game of the season.

We shared a laugh as we speculated that with the Canadiens easing to a 7th game “quarters” victory, Raines’ exploits would be relegated to page four.