Back door? I don't think so. Over 800 Bases stolen, better success % than Henderson, an on base percentage as good or better than some already in the HOF,.... The guy was one of the best of his time, plain and simple. Two things hurt him, being Henderson's shadow all the time and playing in Montreal.
Voters today look at the game from a view point of how the game is played today. Long ball is king. Back in the 80s it was a track meet and Raines was second only to Rickey over his long career. Also with that AstroTurf you needed speed in the outfield back then. Raines was as solid in the field as they come.
He gets in through the front door with a career deserving of HOF status
1/19/2017 6:53 AM (edited)