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
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.
I told myself that if I ever make it to the big leagues that I would be the one to appreciate the fans. Take a little time out to sign autographs and shake their hands and say hello to them.
A good friend of mine took me out and had me hit off a tee. He made me understand what was my strike zone and - with my speed - the importance of making contact. So I give him a lot of credit for changing my game and making me the player I became. He showed me how to work on me and my game, and not worry about patterning myself after someone else and focusing on what they were capable of doing rather than what I was capable of doing.
Nothing's impossible for Rickey. You don't have enough fingers and toes to count out Rickey.
I wanted to be a part of something special and contributing to the launch of a new league was very exciting to me.
I can still steal a base anytime I get ready.
I like playing for Oakland, they have a very colorful uniform.
If you look at some of the people in the Hall of Fame, my numbers are compatible.
I patterned myself after Reggie Jackson. I wanted to have that same swing and hit some homeruns. When I was down in A-ball, I was trying to be Reggie Jackson and I was striking out all the time. And I was like, 'This isn't the way Reggie is doing it, so I got to change.'
The only name on my birth certificate was Henley, no first name.
Rickey got a big ranch. Rickey got a big bull. Rickey got horses. Rickey got chickens and everything. And Rickey got a 20-gallon hat.
Don't worry, Rickey, you're still the best.
The only thing I wish I could figure out is how I got misunderstood regarding the type of person I really am and what I accomplished ... Just because I believed in what I was doing on the field and dedicated myself to playing the game, does that mean I'm cocky? Does that mean I'm arrogant? People who played against me called me cocky, but my teammates didn't. I brought attention, fear.
I'm a walking record.