I’m of mixed feelings about Rickey Henderson’s refusal to hang up the spikes. On one hand, his insistence that he still has something to offer a big league club seems slightly delusional, not unlike the UK Subs continuing to tour, or pretending that anyone wants to read another blog about what dull people did with their dull day (always helps if a party is mentioned, though).
On the flipside, who am I or anyone else to apply arbitrary standards for how this all-time great should live his life? I mean, what else should Rickey Henderson be doing? Buying a team with Reggie Jackson? Making his way through the business world ala Fran Tarkenton? A Rickey blog would be awesome (much better than Phil Anselmo’s, probably) but I doubt we’ll be seeing it. And it isn’t as though Rickey is costing a deserving younger player a roster spot — the Atlantic League is cast-off city, with everyone involved struggling to stay in organized baseball.
(Charlie Harper and gang, gratuitious, uncalled for references above and below).
If Henderson has enough in the tank to provide any sort of entertainment, even at indie league level, that’s good enough. And who knows, maybe the UK Subs will make the first good record in their career? Anything’s possible.
I have seen Rickey play with the Newark Bears and he looked like he was having a good time with it. I think he honestly just enjoys playing ball.
Is Rickey still on a first-name basis…with himself?
the day he is no longer refering to himself in the 3rd person is probably the right time to retire.
My brother & I had a unique opportunity to to meet & talk with Rickey Henderson for 10 minutes yesterday (3/18/05) at the Royals-Angels spring training game.
Rickey deserves a chance to play.
He said, “I tell General Managers ‘pay me the minimum salary & then I’ll donate that entire salary to whatever local high school you want me to & I’ll play for free…I already have money, I know I can play…give me a shot & forget about how old I am.”
The game needs more guys like Rickey.
Matt, not to doubt your story, but did Rickey really say “I tell General Managers ‘pay me the minimum salary….’ ” or did he say “pay Rickey Henderson the minimum salary”? Because if Rickey is no longer speaking in the third person, I’m not sure there is a spot for him on a major league roster, let alone professional sports altogether.