Outpouring of love for Tim Raines from 43,000 baseball fans

More than 43,000 baseball fans went wild Friday night when Montreal Expos outfielder Tim Raineswas introduced before a pre-season game between the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Raineswas greeted at centre fieldby former Expos stars Steve Rogers, Warren Cromartie, Jeff Reardon, Bill Lee, David Palmer, Al Oliver and Dennis Martinez.

Raines was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January andwas given the key to the city Friday morning.

The Florida-born baseball player came to Montreal when he was 19 years old.

He played 13 big league seasons with the Montreal Expos and was considered a star outfielder.

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderreis an enthusiastic fan of baseball and especially the city's former team, The Expos.

He told fans that everything was lined up for the return of a Major League club.

"[We] have investors, have a plan, and the best way to start is with the Rock. And Rock is here now," Coderre said, referring to Rainesby his nickname.

Coderreadded that things were moving forward with Major League Baseball in a careful, methodical way.

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