Former Expos star Raines gets long ovation from Big O to honour Hall nomination

MONTREAL — Tim Raines returned to Olympic Stadium as a hero.

The former Montreal Expos outfielder, who was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January, got a long, thunderous ovation when he was introduced in a pre-game tribute Friday night before a pre-season game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Raines was driven in from centre field on a golf cart, waving to Olympic Stadium fans, and was greeted in the infield by former Expos stars Steve Rogers, Warren Cromartie, Jeff Reardon, Bill Lee, David Palmer, Al Oliver and Dennis Martinez.

“I loved coming to the ballpark knowing there would be 30,000 or 40,00 people in the stands,” Raines told the crowd. “You inspired me.”