Tim Raines, who on July 21, 1996, recorded the 3,000th hit of his career, has reached one of baseball’s most exclusive milestones. The St. Louis veteran becomes one of the few players in DBL history to combine elite contact ability, patience, and speed over such an enduring career.

Now in his 18th DBL season, Raines’ achievement stands as a testament to consistency and adaptability. Since debuting as a 19-year-old with St. Louis in 1979, he has excelled across multiple franchises — including standout years with the Cardinals, Pirates, Dodgers, and Orioles — before returning to St. Louis to reach this historic mark.

Career Highlights to Date:

• 2,660 career games played
• 10,594 at-bats, 3,000 hits, and 1,116 RBIs
• 1,812 runs scored, 420 stolen bases, and 1,274 walks
• Career slash line of .283 / .361 / .398 (.758 OPS)
• Seven 200-hit seasons
• Six seasons with 100+ runs scored
• 1980 season: .314 average, 200 hits, 121 runs, 131 stolen bases — one of the most dominant leadoff performances in DBL history
• Career WAR of 58.2

Career Year-by-Year Summary:

• 1979–1984 (St. Louis): Emerged as the league’s premier leadoff hitter, averaging 189 hits and 115 runs per season.
• 1985–1986 (Pittsburgh / New York): Continued to flash elite on-base skills and speed, surpassing 100 runs in both seasons.
• 1987–1990 (Los Angeles): Maintained production while adapting to new lineups, highlighted by a .282 average and 106 runs in 1990.
• 1991–1993 (Baltimore): Veteran leader with consistent averages near .290 and strong postseason presence.
• 1994–1996 (St. Louis): Returned to the Cardinals to cap off his remarkable career, collecting his 3,000th hit in front of the home crowd.

From his blistering early speed to his late-career precision at the plate, Tim Raines has defined what it means to be a complete hitter. His 3,000th hit marks not only a personal triumph but also a career built on discipline, athleticism, and an unwavering love for the game.

Congratulations to Tim Raines on reaching 3,000 career hits.