INDIANAPOLIS — A local sports legend is being honored by the Indianapolis Indians.
For many people, Razor Shines is the first name that comes to mind associated with Indians baseball.
Now he'll be the first Indians player to have his number retired.
A ceremony is planned for Sept. 14, part of "Razor Shines Weekend" at Victory Field.
Shines played nearly 800 games for Indy over nine seasons.
“When you think of Indianapolis Indians baseball, the first player that comes to mind is Razor Shines,” said Max Schumacher, former Indians president and chairman of the board. “Razor wore his Indians uniform with pride, embraced the fans and city of Indianapolis, and brought a winning mindset to the home clubhouse at Bush Stadium."
His best season in Indianapolis was 1984. He had 26 doubles, 18 home runs and 80 RBI and was named the team's Most Valuable Player.
“All my life I wanted to play professional baseball, and to find out that the city I call home and played in for so many years is preparing to retire my uniform number 3… it brings tears to my eyes,” Shines said. “To the Indians, the Schumacher family and the many fans with whom I had the privilege of meeting during my stay in Indianapolis, thank you.”
The retiring of Shines' No. 3 comes 40 years after his debut with the Indians.
“When it comes to the individual accolades and team accomplishments during Razor Shines’ time in Indianapolis, the record speaks for itself,” said Bruce Schumacher, Indians CEO. “Razor’s popularity among Indians fans took off when public address announcer Kurt Hunt began what became the famous introduction every time Shines walked to the plate at Bush Stadium – ‘Now batting for your Indians, the first baseman, number 3, RRRRRazor Shines!’"