Former Expo Tim Raines gets key to Montreal, heads to Big O for exhibition game

Baseball Hall of Fame nominee Tim Rainesreceived the keyto Montreal Friday morning, and Mayor Denis Coderretook the opportunity to reaffirm that the city iscloser than ever to welcoming back a Major League club.

Raines, who came to the city when he was 19 years old,said he feels like a Montrealer.

"Montreal, this is my second home," Raines said.

"I want to thank you guys for making it easy for meto put on that uniform. You guys inspired me to be the best that I could be."

Rainesplayed 13 big league seasons with the MontrealExposand was considered a star outfielder.

In January, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

While introducing Raines, Coderredangled before Montrealersthe prospect ofa return of the Expos.

"We want the team back," Coderre said.

"[We] have investors, have a plan, and the best way to start is with the Rock. And Rock is here now."

Bell Centre standing ovation

On Thursday, Rainesattended a gala organizedin his honourwhich Coderre said raised $132,000 for Baseball Quebec, a provincial baseball organization.

• Montreal unveils Baseball Action Plan before exhibition games

He then went to the Bell Centre to take part in theceremonial puck drop before the Habs played theFlorida Panthers.

Fans went wild whenRaines stepped out onto the ice before the game.

He said the reception left him speechless.

"The ovation I got at the hockey game was wow.That's all I can say, just, wow."

More honours at Big O

Thehonours continue Friday night at a ceremony before the first of twoexhibition matchesbetween the Toronto Blue Jays and the Pittsburgh Pirates at the Olympic Stadium.

Coderre said he anticipates the crowd going wild at the sight of Raines.

"Tonight, with more than 50,000 people, my only fear is the roof because it might blow off there will be so much love," Coderre said.

• Montreal baseball investors 'have all the ingredients' to welcome a team, source says

Rainesis currently the roving outfield andbaserunningcoordinator for the Blue Jays.

Last year, the Blue Jays played twoexhibition games againstthe Boston Red Sox in Montreal and drew more than 100,000 peopleto the Olympic Stadium.