Tim Raines, known affectionately as "Rock," is celebrated as one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in Major League Baseball history. Born on September 16, 1959, in Sanford, Florida, Raines began his professional career when he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the fifth round of the 1977 MLB Draft. His debut in the major leagues came in 1979, but it was in the early 1980s that he truly began to shine.

Raines quickly established himself as a force on the basepaths. In 1981, his first full season, he stole 71 bases, leading the National League and earning him an All-Star selection. This was just the beginning of a remarkable streak; Raines would go on to be selected for seven consecutive All-Star Games from 1981 to 1987. His speed and agility made him a constant threat, and he led the National League in stolen bases for four consecutive seasons from 1981 to 1984.

In addition to his prowess in stealing bases, Raines was a skilled hitter. He consistently maintained a high batting average, with his best season coming in 1986 when he hit .334, won the National League batting title, and posted an impressive on-base percentage of .413. That year, he also won the Silver Slugger Award, recognizing him as one of the best offensive players in the league.

Raines' time with the Expos solidified his reputation as one of the game's elite players. However, after the 1990 season, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. With the White Sox, Raines continued to be a valuable player, contributing to the team's success and helping them reach the postseason in 1993. His tenure with the White Sox lasted until 1995, after which he joined the New York Yankees.

Playing for the Yankees, Raines added two World Series titles to his resume in 1996 and 1998. Although his role was more limited compared to his earlier years, he provided veteran leadership and experience to the team. After his stint with the Yankees, Raines played for several other teams, including the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Florida Marlins, before retiring in 2002.

Throughout his career, Raines accumulated impressive statistics. He finished with 808 stolen bases, ranking him among the top five in MLB history at the time of his retirement. His career batting average stood at .294, with 2,605 hits, 170 home runs, and 980 RBIs. Raines' ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset to every team he played for.

In recognition of his achievements, Raines was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.

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