Rock Solid

My Life in Baseball's Fast Lane

by Tim Raines, Alan Maimon

On Sale: 04/04/2017

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Rock Solid

My Life in Baseball's Fast Lane

by Tim Raines, Alan Maimon

On Sale: 04/04/2017

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Amazon Indigo

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About the Book

For more than a decade, Tim Raines patrolled left field for the nascent Montreal Expos, igniting the powder keg of what would become one of the most innovative, entertaining, and talented teams of the modern era. Alongside other superstars such as Andre "Hawk" Dawson, Gary Carter, and Steve Rogers, Raines, nicknamed "Rock," hit and stole his way into the hearts not only of Montreal fans but of the team's dedicated fan base coast to coast. The seven-time all-star tore through the Expos' record books before moving on to the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, and Florida Marlins, ultimately earning three World Series rings (one as a coach). The Expos retired his number (#30), and in January 2017, Raines was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

But it wasn't always easy playing for the upstart Montreal Expos or being Tim Raines. Raines's performance dipped in 1982, and at the end of the season, he entered a substance abuse program for cocaine addiction. He used cocaine before games, after games, and on some occasions, in the clubhouse between innings. Raines later testified at the infamous Pittsburgh drug trials in September 1985. He would ultimately resume his career at a high level and once again become one of baseball's brightest stars, both on and off the field. In 1999, Raines was forced to retire from baseball after being diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs). His was the first known case in an MLB player. However, after undergoing treatment and having missed an entire season, Raines returned at the age of 41 to where it all began in 1979—the Montreal Expos.

This memoir details the life and playing career of one of the sport's all-time greatest leaders and personalities, and is an honest, raw, and compelling tale of triumph and redemption.

With a foreword by Andre Dawson and an introduction by Jonah Keri.

Critical Praise

“Another testament to the good things that happened on the diamond in Montreal.” — National Post

“Rock and I helped the Expos win a lot of games, and we had a friendship based on mutual respect. Rock says I had a big impact on his life and career. Rock’s impact on me was huge, and I’m a better person for knowing him.” — Andre Dawson, former National League MVP and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, from his foreword

“It was the pleasure of a lifetime to call Tim Raines my teammate and my friend. We were fortunate to win two championships together. Having watched him play, you understand why this Hall of Famer is called one of the greatest leadoff hitters of all time.” — Mariano Rivera, former New York Yankees closer

“Tim Raines was a great mentor, one of the best teammates ever. Rock’s one of my best friends in life. If you look at his numbers, they’re crazy. He’s the best power-hitting leadoff hitter of all time.” — Frank Thomas, former Toronto Blue Jay and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame

“Tim Raines was by far one of my favorite teammates. He taught me how to be a professional and more importantly to enjoy the game and have fun every day.” — Derek Jeter

“I was one of the many players who looked up to Rock and admired his approach to the game. He worked hard, listened to his body, and played with a sense of joy.” — Bernie Williams, former New York Yankees outfielder

“Once Tim Raines reached base, he was a destructive force, one of the finest base runners of all time, his speed blaring, his savvy vital, the two combined unfair.” — Jeff Passan, Yahoo! Sports