FlipBoardAccording to Ben Maller, Rickey Henderson could be coming back to the Athletics:
For the first time, [Oakland A's GM Billy] Beane said that the team might consider bringing Henderson back for one game — perhaps when rosters expand in September — so that he could retire in an A's uniform . . . Henderson, 48, believes he can still play, though no major-league club has shown interest in him while he played in two independent leagues since his last big-league game in 2003.
Ah, I can see the microphone behind home plate at Oakland Colosseum now. The ever-gracious and humble Rickey steps forward and says, "Thank you. Julio Franco is a good old ballplayer, but now I am the greatest." He offered this modest statement:
"I'm in great shape, better than most guys," Henderson said by phone this week.
Ha! Is he more physically fit than a robust Irishman who sits in a 4'x6' cubicle 15 hours a day at With Leather headquarters ogling photos of cheerleaders. I think not. Everyone has their favorite Rickey story from Ron Kittle to John Olerud, and mine takes place at a Brewers/A's game in old Milwaukee County Stadium in the mid-1990s (Remember when the Brew Crew was an AL team?). After Henderson misplayed a ball hit down the left-field line, I, along with the rest of the drunken denizens of the bleachers, began to chant: "RIC-KEY, RIC-KEY." He turned around and announced to the crowd, "I make more money than all of you!" If you have a special Rickey story, please share it in the comments. -KD
Wow. There are so many. Here’s one I’ve always liked:
In 1996, Henderson’s first season with San Diego, he boarded the team bus and was looking for a seat. Steve Finley said, “You have tenure, sit wherever you want.†Henderson looked at Finley and said, “Ten years? Rickey’s been playing at least 16, 17 years.â€Â
I think instead of Manny being Manny, we should refer to Manny being Rickey.
48? Rickey looks 60 in that pic.