Previewing the 2017 HOF class: Tim Raines

The National Baseball Hall of Fame is set to announce its Class of 2017 on Wednesday, Jan. 18. In the days leading up to the announcement, theScore's MLB editors will preview players who look to be a lock to head into Cooperstown.

The Player

Player: Timothy Raines Sr.
Teams: Montreal Expos (13 seasons), Chicago White Sox (5), New York Yankees (3), Oakland Athletics (1), Florida Marlins (1), Baltimore Orioles (1)
Position: Outfielder
Retired: 2012
Current Age: 57
Year on ballot: 10th
Percentage of Vote: 91.4 (Calculated by Ryan Thibodaux)

The Resume

MLB Seasons: 23
All-Star: 7
World Series: 3 (1996, 1998, 2005)
NL Batting champion: 1 (1987)
NL Stolen base leader: 4 (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984)
Silver Slugger: 1 (1986)

In his final year of eligibility, "Rock" is finally receiving his dues.

One of the most feared leadoff hitters of all time, Raines absolutely terrorized teams on the basepaths. His 808 career steals is the most among players yet to be enshrined in the Hall, but his 84.7 stolen-base percentage is the most among players with at least 400 attempts.

His lightning speed was but one of his many strengths, though, alongside a remarkable penchant for getting on base in the first place. The former outfielder reached base safely a resounding 3,977 times, more than established first-ballot Hall of Famers such as Tony Gwynn (3,955) and Lou Brock (3,833), but his talents may have been erroneously underrated thanks to his prime years being spent north of the border, as well as a publicized use of cocaine during his career.

The Highlights

A grand season debut

Raines wasted no time in making an impact on the 1987 season. Due to collusion by MLB owners to keep player salaries low, Raines was forced to wait until May to re-sign with the Expos, despite slashing .334/.413/.476 and swiping 70 bases the season prior. "Rock" simply picked up right where he left off in his season debut, however, as he launched a game-winning grand slam on the road against the Mets in the 10th inning.

Swiping No. 800

His speed may have dropped off towards the latter stages of his career, but Raines never forgot how to capitalize on unsuspecting pitchers. Back in Montreal's Olympic Stadium in 1998 as a member of the Yankees, Raines did what he does best when he managed to swipe second despite an accurate throw from catcher Chris Widger, earning himself the 800th stolen base of his long career. In a touching display, the Expos faithful rewarded their former All-Star with a standing ovation for the milestone.

Stumbling over the finish line

While not known for a proficiency in the field, Raines' defense did make headlines during the 1996 World Series. With the Yankees up 8-6 in Game 4 and Atlanta down to their last out, Braves third baseman Terry Pendleton sent a fly ball deep to left that gave Raines a bit of a trouble on the run. The outfielder tripped himself up at the warning track, but still managed to make the tough grab while falling over. The catch tied up the series at 2-2 and strengthened the Yankees' momentum as they went on to win the Fall Classic in six games.