Tim Raines

Lore & Background

Tim Raines arrived in Washington for his final major league season in 2002, joining the Expos (the franchise that would become the Nationals) for a sentimental homecoming. Though his speed had diminished to a whisper, his keen eye and leadership were invaluable. He batted .191 in 98 games, but his presence helped guide younger players like Brad Wilkerson and Orlando Cabrera, teaching them how to read pitchers and steal a base with a glance. Raines' number 30 was retired by the Nationals in a 2017 ceremony, making him the first player from the Montreal era to receive that honor in Washington. His legacy bridges the Expos and Nationals eras, symbolizing the franchise's rich history—a living link between the dusty Olympic Stadium and the polished confines of Nationals Park.

In Their Own Story

The late September sun cast long shadows across RFK Stadium. Raines, in his final home game, stepped to the plate as a pinch hitter. The crowd, small but knowing, rose to its feet—a standing ovation for a man who had once made base stealing an art form. He took a called strike, then fouled off two pitches. On a 1-2 count, he lined a single to right—his last hit in a Nationals uniform. As he stood on first base, he tipped his helmet to the stands. The moment was quiet, but it echoed with decades of stolen bases and dusty diamond memories, a soft goodbye to a legend who had once terrorized catchers across the league.

Reader's Guide

Tim Raines played his final season with the Washington Nationals (then the Montreal Expos) in 2002, at age 42. His role was as a veteran pinch hitter and occasional starter, providing leadership to a young team. His playing style was defined by exceptional speed, a keen batting eye, and a knack for getting on base—he once posted a .413 on-base percentage in 1987, the year he won the batting title. Raines' greatest achievements came earlier: a .294 career average, 808 stolen bases (fifth all-time), and seven All-Star selections. He won the 1987 National League batting title (.330) and was a key part of the 1981 Expos team that reached the NLCS, where he hit .320. His legacy with the Nationals is as a bridge to the franchise's Montreal roots. Raines was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017, and his number 30 was retired by the Nationals that same year, cementing his place in club history as the first Expo honored in D.C.

Did You Know?

• Tim Raines' number 30 was the first number retired by the Washington Nationals that had been worn by a Montreal Expos player.
• Raines was diagnosed with lupus in 1999 but continued to play, becoming an inspiration for others with the condition.
• He stole 70 or more bases in six consecutive seasons from 1981 to 1986.
• Raines' son, Tim Raines Jr., also played in the major leagues, and they appeared in the same game for the Baltimore Orioles in 2001.