August 28, 2024
By Kevin Glew
Cooperstowners in Canada
Fifty-five years ago today, Claude Raymond became the first Canadian to register a win for a Canadian major league team in the regular season when he accomplished the feat with the Montreal Expos.
With the Expos trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 at Dodger Stadium, Raymond entered the contest in the sixth inning in relief of Bill Stoneman and Dan McGinn and proceeded to toss four scoreless innings while his team rallied for a 9-5 victory.
“I like pitchers who refuse to beat themselves,” Expos manager Gene Mauch told The Montreal Star after the game. “Claude threw the ball over the plate with good stuff.”
The 5-foot-10 right-hander permitted just two hits and struck out a batter.
The Expos took the lead after a four-run seventh inning that was highlighted by a pinch-hit two-run double by Coco Laboy and a two-run single by Bobby Wine. Both hits came off Dodgers reliever and future Expos pitching coach Jim Brewer.
Raymond was excited to earn his first win as an Expo.
“Ever since they got major league baseball in Montreal, I wanted to pitch there,” Raymond told the Associated Press after the game.
His performance helped the Expos secure their 40th win of their first season.
In total, Raymond would register eight wins in parts of three campaigns with the Expos from 1969 to 1971.
Such a magical moment for Claude. He’s meant so much to the Expos over all their years. Great to read about this win.
Thanks for reading this, Scott.
Thanks for the info on Claude’s first win.
Thanks for your support.