[typoon]

Henderson to begin to 'give back to the game' as Mets instructor

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/9223069

NEW YORK -- Rickey Henderson is back in the major leagues, this time as an instructor with the New York Mets.
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Henderson, baseball's career steals leader, hasn't played in the big leagues since 2003, when he was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 47-year-old outfielder spent 2004 with the Newark Bears of the Atlantic League and 2005 with the San Diego Surf Dawgs of the Golden League.

"In my mind, I'm not really done playing," he said Friday during a telephone conference call. "I love playing the game, but right now I haven't had the opportunity to go out and play. I feel that I have a lot to give back to the game."

Omar Minaya, the Mets general manager, sat next to Henderson during a game of the 2002 World Series and brought up the topic of instructing young players. Dave Stewart, Henderson's former Oakland teammate, let Minaya know during the offseason that Henderson was ready.

Minaya mentioned Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran as players who will work with Henderson, learning tips on baserunning and getting on base.

"In my opinion, Rickey is the best leadoff hitter in the history of the game," Minaya said.

Henderson will spend about 10 days with the Mets during the second half of spring training and will join them for a week at an unspecified time of the regular season.

"I still think I can play the game of baseball," he said. "I'm going to camp to (teach) the young kid about basestealing ... how to run the bases, what to do at certain times."

Henderson's real desire is to add to his 1,406 steals and 2,295 runs -- both major-league records.

"I was looking, of course, to get the opportunity to play in the major leagues," he said. "I think that's what my goal in my heart (is), the desire to go out and play baseball."

Henderson played for the Mets in 1999 and part of 2000, then was released by New York after he failed to run out a line drive. He and Bobby Bonilla were accused of playing cards in the Mets' clubhouse during 1999's season-ending, extra-inning loss at Atlanta in the NL Championship Series.

"I think playing cards gave me the opportunity to relax in the game," Henderson said.

Pedro Martinez still hasn't received his special shoe designed to ease pain in his right toe. Minaya expects Martinez will get it before spring training starts Thursday.

"Right now I expect him to be in the day he's supposed to report. But we all know Pedro," Minaya said.

When he was with the Red Sox, Martinez tended to arrive after the voluntary reporting date.

[turtle777]

gorickey !

Haha, I said it furst !

[rickey939]

[nredman]

Originally Posted by rickey939

what does that mean? are you happy about this?

[Stradlater]

Originally Posted by nredman

what does that mean? are you happy about this?

It means "gorickey" must come out of retirement, too

[rickey939]

Originally Posted by nredman

what does that mean? are you happy about this?

No, I'm pretty disappointed. I mean if Rickey wants to coach, he needs to "officially" retire from the game as a player and prepare solely for a coaching career. I mean come on, this whole Mets thing is for only 2 weeks out of the year...1 during spring training, and another 1 week tenure "not known" during the regular season.

Ironically, I do find it hysterical that the NY Mets are the ones to extend the "instructor" position to Rickey of all teams...after all the crap they gave him and Bonilla. I love the quotes saying how much of a good influence he will be in the clubhouse.

[Dork.]

Maybe he still owes Mr. Met money from their poker games....

[rickey939]

Originally Posted by Dork.

Maybe he still owes Mr. Met money from their poker games....

Kevin Mitchell and Keith Hernandez owe more than Rickey actually...

[Dork.]

Originally Posted by rickey939

Kevin Mitchell and Keith Hernandez owe more than Rickey actually...

True, dat. Keith owes Mr. Met for the poker as well as the coke! You didn't realize that Mr. Met was dealing, did you? Why do you think Keith kept doing that awful Seinfeld gig -- he needed to pay off Mr. Met, or else Bad Things would happen!

Seriously, though, the reason that Rickey's "Second Coming" is viewed as positive is that he and Willie Randolph are good friends (and were teammates for a while, IIRC). Willie probably has a different relationship with Rickey than the NY Media has.

[rickey939]

Originally Posted by Dork.

Seriously, though, the reason that Rickey's "Second Coming" is viewed as positive is that he and Willie Randolph are good friends (and were teammates for a while, IIRC). Willie probably has a different relationship with Rickey than the NY Media has.

He'll be great, as usual, I am sure; however, I wish he would find a more long-term solution.