Rickey Henderson
Rickey Henderson
Rickey Nelson Henley Hendersonis an American retired professional baseball left fielder who played in Major League Baseballfor nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with his original team, the Oakland Athletics. Nicknamed "The Man of Steal", he is widely regarded as baseball's most reliable leadoff hitter and baserunner. He holds the major league records for career stolen bases, runs, unintentional walks and leadoff home runs. At the time of his last major league game in 2003, the ten-time...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBaseball Player
Date of Birth25 December 1958
CityChicago, IL
CountryUnited States of America
Certain guys, they can see a guy do a certain thing with their glove and know what pitch is coming. I couldn't do that. But I can get on first base and I can tell you by his move if that pitcher is going to first base or home plate every time.
I was stealing all the bases, and when you had to go to arbitration they said, 'You know, only the big boys make the money.' So I got to try and figure out how to hit a home run, too.
Oakland is home, and you always want to go home. Anytime you get the chance, you're happy to go home.
When I was growing up, my favorite player was Reggie Jackson - and I never got the opportunity to get an autograph from Reggie. I was so frustrated. I mean, he was my idol. And I couldn't get no autograph. I would go through punishment waiting on him (after games) because he was always the last guy to come out. And I would go back home with no autograph.
Our theory was get Eck in the game. You knew the game was over.
People recognize me - but if you've been in the public eye as long as I have and people don't recognize you, I feel bad about myself.
You have to stay low, like a sprinter.
I think playing cards gave me the opportunity to relax in the game.
I'm a Hall of Famer and I'm still fighting for it because I love the game and I love to play.
I did so many things that made me a threat.
I love playing this game and every spring training feels like the first.
To me the most important thing was stirring things up and scoring some runs so we could win a ballgame.
Once you can accept failure, you can have fun and success.
Certainly I'd consider that,'' Beane told The Chronicle.