I’ve had the opportunity to interview a number of Baseball Hall of Famers over the years — Bob Gibson, Phil Rizzuto, Reggie Jackson, the list goes on. It’s always a pleasure, and I always leave feeling a little in awe.
Rickey Henderson is the newest name to add to my Hall of Fame interview list. Not because I sat down with him on Sunday, but because he was only elected in January.
I’ve interviewed Rickey at least six times since 2003. He’s always been a gentleman and has never shown any signs of big-timing it. Not to mention, he gives you good stuff to write about and use in your article.
As I mentioned: I sat down with Rickey for one of his first one-on-one interviews since he was elected to the Hall. We talked about how his speech was coming along, whether he’d ever want to play again and, of course, the steroid era.
Before I give you the link to the story, which I wrote for Yahoo! Sports, my debut there of sorts, let me preface something: When Rickey and I spoke about steroids, I asked him whether he’d be upset if Alex Rodriguez broke his all-time runs record. The stat is one of his most cherished accomplishments and now that Rodriguez had admitted steroid use, I was curious. Rickey, twice, didn’t directly answer the question. That leaves me to believe that yes it does bother him.
So here it is…
Rickey Henderson Preparing His HOF Speech
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Nice article. I disagree that 30 major league front offices disagreed with Rickey’s contention that he was better than bench players half his age. I think many knew it, but it while it would be good front office hype to bring him in…it would be bad long-term planning to bump a younger player who could stay on the team and be a big contributor later on.
Honestly, I think Rickey could play today and help a team and I’d love to see it. But I know it won’t happen.
Thanks Brad.
I agree with the notion that bringing Rickey in would have been a bad move for an organization trying to develop a player. But the 25th guy on a roster doesn’t see much playing time as it is, so there’s no doubt in my mind Rickey could contribute — you agree — in that spot. I just think that they obviously felt he was not the best 25th man otherwise they would have signed him. You don’t pass on good players, especially ones with speed.