Tim Raines will be inducted into the hall of fame wearing the cap of the Expos

Photo: Nathan Denette, The canadian Press
Tim Raines admits from the outset : it does not go a day without it think back to his stint with the Montreal Expos.

Since his name appeared for the first time on the ballot for the hall of fame of baseball, Tim Raines said he was going to wear the cap of the Montreal Expos if he was allowed. On the eve of his official enthronement, the former outfielder for the Expos recalled that he had never thought to wear another.

“I never had any doubt, he said Saturday to the many journalists who were close to him in the gym at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. I played 12 years there. If I had wanted to be immortalized with a different cap, I would have asked. But there was no other option in my eyes. “

“To be inducted as a member of the Expos means a lot to me. My two best friends in baseball, Andre Dawson and Gary Carter, have also been. We always felt that we were the Expos. This is where it all started for us. It was the only proper way to make my entrance to the hall of fame. “

Raines still feels a lot of attachment to the city and the supporters of the Expos him make it well. Several have made the trip to applaud him one last time.

“It is fantastic to see so many caps of the Expos. During the golf tournament, [Saturday morning], there was a lot of caps and shirts, supporters. Even if we no longer have a team, the fact that I was inducted into the Temple as the Expo brings a little hope to those who want to review a club. […] Hope that my induction will bring back to Montreal in the discussion, that she may get a team. “

“If they ever found their club, I will do everything in my power to be a part of it. “

Raines admits from the outset : it does not go a day without it think back to Montreal, especially in the fifth game of the championship series of the National of 1981, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the famous ” Blue Monday “.

“I remember it as if it was yesterday,” he admitted. The only thing that helps me a little bit to forget about it, these are the conquests of the world Series in 1996 and 1998, [with the New York Yankees]. Otherwise, this team of 1981, the team that we were then in Montreal, I am convinced that we were the best team in baseball. “

“In the end, to have lost a few players, including our lift # 1 has made all the difference in this series. Not having a reliever no. 1, we probably prevented them from reaching the world Series and have a chance to win in Montreal. I’m still thinking about. “

When asked about his best moment in career, Raines did not hesitate a second.

“This is a difficult question, because I’ve had several. But the one that emerges in the lot, it is to have played with my son [Tim son, in 2001, with the Baltimore Orioles]. It came a bit out of nowhere. We sometimes spoke of playing at the same time, but we had never thought be able to play together. I feel pampered and I’m sure he feels the same. After all, only Ken Griffey father and son have managed the feat from us. “

Tim son with his father to Cooperstown, as his brother, as well as two young twin 7-year-old Tim. His parents are also on site, as well as several childhood friends of Florida.

Raines has admitted that he wrote a few notes for her speech, but it will not read a text on Sunday. One thing is for sure : he will speak to Dawson.

“It means a lot to me that he is here, he said with emotion. Andre is the one who, from the first day of this whole process, would telephone me each year to tell me :“My guy, don’t worry. It is a marathon. It has been very long for me also. Don’t worry : you’ll enter”. He was right in the end.

“It is with much humility that I find myself here. As a player, you try to do your best, you establish in the Majors. Then, you try to participate in the all-star game, and then winning a championship and ultimately, a world Series. You also, try to play as long as possible. “

“When you know the kind of career like mine, which leads you up to the hall of fame, this is the ultimate experience. There is nothing better than being able to say that you are a part of it. “