The Rickey Henderson appreciation thread

[BenReilly]

I was never much of a Rickey fan, though he was clearly the best lead-off hitter in baseball history. I now admire him for his will to play, not for money or records, but out of true love for the game.


His manager, former NL batting champion Bill Madlock, doesn't think Henderson will get picked up by a major league club this year. But then, he didn't expect Rickey to thrive in an independent league at his age.

``At the beginning of the season, I said, `This guy is just finished,' `` Madlock said. ``Then he just turned it on and was the best player in the league. I told the guys, `You ought to be embarrassed: The best player in this league is 45 years old.' ``

Entering Wednesday night's game, Henderson was batting .294 with nine homers and 30 RBIs in 80 games with the Bears this year. He was third in the league with 31 steals in 33 attempts, and second in on-base percentage at .464.

But don't expect to see Henderson in an Atlantic League uniform next year.

``I dominate this here,'' he said. ``I don't want to do that anymore. I want to play at the level where I know I can compete.''

He said he hopes to get an invitation to a major league camp next spring, when he'll be 46. If nothing materializes, Rickey is eyeing Japan next.

http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=68252

[Danks81]

I'm glad I'm not the only one out there who admires his ability and will to keep on playing. In fact, I occassionally express my admiration in my away message:

Ya know what makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside? The fact that Rickey Henderson has played professional baseball since before I was born and he is still going at it. For 25 years the man has led off brilliantly, stole bases at will, and displayed surprising power in his bat. All the while maintaining that the world revolved around Sir Rickey.

And ya know what? I agree with him.

Play on Rickey, play on.

[yellowbismark]

That is awesome to hear.

Enjoyed his stint with the Padres, great ballplayer.

[DoctorJones24]

Ben, I also was never a fan growing up, but in recent years I've begun to realize that this was mostly just misunderstanding his strangeness (interpreting it as arrogance and selfishness).

But now guys like Tony Gwynn and Johnny Damon describe him as "the best teammate I've ever played with." The guy simply loves to play and has unreal natural talent. Best leadoff hitter in history, indeed.

[Glenwood Lane United]

I always viewed Rickey the same way I viewed Pete Rose (before he retired as a player). Didn't really like him, but definitely respect his ability.

If he's willing, and if a team steps forward, I can see Rickey starting the season at AAA next year, and maybe hitting the majors if injuries become a factor at the big club.

[FlashMan]

Rickey came to the Padres as something like a 38 year old, and then as a 42 year old.

Both times he was truly special to watch, even so far removed from his unbelieveable prime. Incredible player.

[bergkamp10]

Henderson was instrumental to our back to back World Series Victories in the early 1990s. I will appreciate him in any way that I can.

Judging by the way that the Blue Jays have been playing over the past 5 years, we are in need of someone, like Henderson, with fire power to rally the troops.

On to glory Toronto!!!

[otterulz]

As much as I love him on the Mets back in 99, there's always that incident about him playing cards with Bobby Bo that creeps into my mind. Don't know if that actually happened so I reserve my judgement.

[biggyv]

Some great quotes from the man:

Rockey on Don Mattingly: ''One year, he drove me in 79 times. Did you hear what I said? Seventy-nine times. He would do anything to get me in. You'd have to throw the ball over Mattingly's head for him not to get Rickey in. Dave Winfield used to get mad at him. He'd say, `Now, you ain't the only one who can drive Rickey in.'''

Rickey on Boston: ''Oh, the city is fine. I'm a seafood guy myself, so I like it. The fans have been good. They've got some baseball knowledge. I'll have a good time in the city. It closes down at 1 a.m., but that's OK: Rickey doesn't spend too much time in the streets.''

Another favorite is when Rickey was with the Mets, saw Bobby Valentine reading the Wall Street Journal, and asked him for the sports section.

Best ever? Rickey joined Seattle, and asked John Olerud why he wore a helmet while playing 1st. When Olreud explained that he had an aneyurism and needed the helmet for protection, Rickey said, "That's crazy. I played with a guy on the Mets who did the same thing."

[otterulz]

Best ever? Rickey joined Seattle, and asked John Olerud why he wore a helmet while playing 1st. When Olreud explained that he had an aneyurism and needed the helmet for protection, Rickey said, "That's crazy. I played with a guy on the Mets who did the same thing."
HA! I never heard of that one but that's friggin great.

I remember when the Rickey was on the Mets, he had a little feud with Turk Wendell. This was probably in 2000 when Rickey was about to get shipped out. But I think Turk made a remark about his work ethic and the Rickey took offense. I don't have the quote but I remember it ended with ".....he can kiss my black ass."

[Danks81]

“But it wasn't until I saw Rickey that I understood what baseball was about. Rickey Henderson is a run, man. That's it. When you see Rickey Henderson, I don't care when, the score's already 1-0. If he's with you, that's great. If he's not, you won't like it.” — A's teammate Mitchell Page

Sums it up really. If nothing else Rickey scored a lot and was a SOB if you weren't on his side.