AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com, your best source for Newark Bears information, is reporting that Tim Raines has been named Newark’s new manager. This is an impressive hire for a franchise that was nearly extinct a few weeks ago.
Raines, who played briefly for Somerset in 2000, has managed in the low minors and was a coach at the big-league level with the White Sox. He was the first-base coach for their 2005 world championship team. In 2007, Raines was the hitting instructor for the Double-A Harrisburg Senators.
To me, Raines will always be known as the phenomenal leadoff man for the Expos and probably the most underrated player from the 1980s. The outfielder was a lifetime .294 hitter with a .385 on-base percentage. He stole 808 bases, ranking behind only Rickey Henderson, Lou Brock and Ty Cobb on the all-time list.
Raines deserves serious Hall of Fame consideration. He was only named on 24 percent of the ballots in January, far below the 75 percent total needed for enshrinement. It was his first year of eligibility, so maybe he’ll get more recognition from voters in the years to come.
Newark’s hire means the Atlantic League now employs the greatest two players in the history of the Expos (sorry, Andre Dawson, you’re third). Gary Carter was named the Ducks manager earlier this month. Maybe they can sell those “elb” caps in the souvenir shops around the league.
Also:
Don’t forget to vote in the new poll. Our democracy depends on it.
Andre Dawson #3? What about Boots Day?
Maybe we can get Rock to beat up Sparky??
I loved Tim Raines as a kid!
What about when he was an adult, mr. b?
har-dee-har
Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogging buds. Can’t wait to see you at the Clipp
leftover turkey and stuffing sandwiches rule!
Jason so badly wanted to leave the “s” off of “it’s” in the caption above.