MY TRIBUTE TO RICKEY

As a die-hard Oakland Athletics fan, it pains me to see the franchise get rid of their top talent year after year after year. From Jason Giambi to Mark Mulder to Tim Hudson, Miguel Tejada, Johnny Damon, Jason Isringhausen, Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, Rich Harden and now Matt Holliday, you get used to Oakland GM Billy Beane’s itchy trigger finger.

Thankfully, the greatest player in franchise history, and my favorite player of all-time, Rickey Henderson, played 14 seasons in green and gold. Granted, he did it in four seperate stints with the team, but he’s going into the Hall as an Athletic on Sunday. And I can’t wait for his induction speech!

Henderson was truly one of a kind. You could make an argument that he was one of the top five players of ALL-TIME. The career steals leader. More leadoff homers than anyone else. More runs scored than anyone else. Second all-time in walks to Barry Bonds, but you can argue that Rickey is the all-time walks king, since Bonds was intentionally walked all the time. You don’t need to have a good eye for that. Over 3,000 hits, close to 300 home runs and steroid free. I can safely say that because I have seen pictures of him in high school. Built like a rock from day one.

Henderson is also terrific with the fans. He talked to everyone. Before the game. During the game. After the game. Always gracious with his time and always appreciative. I was lucky to experience that firsthand at a baseball card show in Oakhurst in 1991. Rickey was signing autographs and taking polaroid pictures with fans. I was nervous as all get out when I shook his hand but he calmed me down pretty quickly by just acting like a regular guy. In fact, the picture we took was washed out, so I was pretty nervous to ask for another one. But Rickey was cool about the whole thing. “Need to take it again big man? Come on up!”

Take two was picture perfect.

So was his career. Two world championships (one with Oakland, the other with Toronto), one American League MVP Award (1990) and an ALCS MVP Award (1989 against Toronto) are just a few more of his glorious accomplishments.

Rickey takes a lot of flack for his “Rickeyisms” and even admits that he and words don’t get along very well. But his induction into Cooperstown speaks for itself. And it’s a testament that playing the game the right way without taking any shortcuts pays off.

I unfortunately won’t be in Cooperstown for the ceremony, but I have my ticket to see his #24 jersey retired August 1st against, of all teams, the Blue Jays.

It could be the best baseball moment of my life.

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