Chicago White Sox fans have argued for years that former outfielder Tim Raines deserved to make it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Across a career spanning 23 years including five seasons in Chicago, he was a seven-time All-Star. He batted .294 and belted 170 home runs while stealing 808 bases. He also won two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1996 and 1997.
After retiring he decided to join the coaching ranks. Following a stint in the minors, he became an assistant with the White Sox in 2004 and was a big part of helping them win the World Series in 2005. Now the long-overlooked baseball staple is getting his due, becoming a member of the 2017 Hall of Fame class.
Thank you. pic.twitter.com/BNSymKRWoL
— Tim Raines (@TimRaines30) January 18, 2017
Joining him in the glorious celebration is slugger Jeff Bagwell and iconic catcher Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez. While Raines may not have been know for the big bats like they were, his value on the diamond was unquestionable. He had speed, played defense and was a crafty hitter at the plate. Yet when he wanted to he could uncork one deep.
Raines was one of those players that didn’t hog the spotlight. He was a glue guy who did everything the right way. Somebody fans grew to love because they knew they could always count on him to deliver a big play when the team needed it. That’s what Hall of Famers are all about. The fact he took his consistent excellence into coaching only enhances how great a baseball personality he is and was.
