Why not #24?

by Scottbass on Jul 28, 2006 2:03 PM PDT

What's up Aners. This is my first diary (on my third try, because I'm retarded) so if this has been debated before, please forgive me. Can someone please tell me why #24 has not been retired to the outfield wall? Rickey Henderson is one of the most important players in the history of baseball. He owns (or had, until Barroids took a few) more significant records than any of the guys we've retired already. If there was an all-time team, there is a strong argument to be made for Rickey leading off. I know he's a headcase, but c'mon. Does the team have to wait a certain period of time, like the HOF? I like Danny Haren, too, but that number should be stripped off his back before the next start. Maybe Zito could pick out his next number.

And what about all the great players we had in Philly (and to a much lesser extent, KC)? We don't mind counting the titles they got in with ours, but what about all the players? It's been awhile since I've been to the Coliseum, but I don't ever remember seeing any type of tribute to those players. Jimmie Foxx, Lefty Grove, Eddie Collins and the $100,000 infield? Anyone read about Connie Mack? If we don't honor these players, who will? The Phillies?

Anyway, go A's!

Poll

When should #24 be retired?

Rickey says as soon as possible

13 votes

After Haren's gone - can't mess with a pitcher's mojo

6 votes

Never, retired numbers aren't the A's style

2 votes

21 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Rickey's # hasn't been retired

for a very simple reason.

He hasn't been inducted into the HOF yet (something the A's seem to be requriing as a precursor) because he keeps making "Comebacks".

He should be up for election soon though, and when that happens, it will be just like Eck Day.

by Zonis on Jul 28, 2006 2:05 PM PDT reply actions

That's what I figured

but it seems lame that the A's would wait when he's obviously a first-ballot HOFer.

by Scottbass on Jul 28, 2006 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Rickey hasn't officially retired

That would be my best guess as to why he hasn't been honored with a "day," or had his number retired.

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Jul 28, 2006 2:06 PM PDT reply actions

As far as Philly players go

I agree. I've been hollaring that for a while. We should honor our Philli roots and have all those old greats retired on the wall. Statues like the Giants and Yankees have would be great, after all, we are just as old if not older, right?

But I have the feeling that if they did do that, they would save it for the new ball park.

by Zonis on Jul 28, 2006 2:07 PM PDT reply actions

I concur

the Philly teams have won more WS than the Oakland teams (5 to 4)...What would Chavez do though? #3 would have to be up there for Jimmie Foxx...Lefty was #10, does anyone where 10 now? I know Hatteburger did.

But if your life is such a big joke, then why should I care?

by johnspaz7 on Jul 28, 2006 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Speaking of retired numbers, what do you think the

A's will do with #25, and #33. Mcgwire might make the Hall, but Jose never will, but do there greatness as Athletics overpower the scandals. I guess the Giants will have the same question with the SF #25.

by theblackpearl on Jul 28, 2006 2:25 PM PDT reply actions

Maybe 25, never 33 - that's Swish anyway

McGwire is a definate maybe. I really don't know, though. Maybe years after he gets in the hall. He's not a first ballot anymore, so who knows when/if that'll be. Maybe that's enough time to forget.

Canseco's number will never be honored by the A's. Sort of sad when you consider he's been the only honest one of the bunch on the steroids issue. Plus, he wasn't that great of a player. Not even top twenty at his position all time.

I know it's early to say, but I love Swisher in #33. That number has a positive ring to it for the first time in years.

by Scottbass on Jul 28, 2006 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Big Mac

Will eventually get into the Hall, and about 7 to 10 years later the A's will retire his number.

Rickey's number should be retired TODAY!!!

Proudly celebrating my 20th year as an A's fan.

by bzn5150 on Jul 28, 2006 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions

I say Mac will get in a lot sooner than later....

Maybe....and I mean....MAYBE...he won't go in on the first ballot. The sports writers might feel an obligation to hide their cowardice behind his accomplishments for a short season, but he will definatley be in by the third ballot. And until someone can produce a blood tainted syringe, he should go in on the first ballot. After all, the players he played against were all supposedly "juiced". Sounds like a level playing field to me....one in which he still dominated.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 28, 2006 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Canseco...

is going to use his current comeback to solidify his chances for the HOF.

But seriously, How do we get Roy Steele in the HOF?

I'm not a big wine guy... Where do you grow the BEER?

by str8tarrow on Jul 28, 2006 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Does he have a Bobblehead?

When he has one of the vintage bobbleheads, he'll probably have his number retired.

This year's Peja-Artest, Willis for Zito! aim: encryptthisthat

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 28, 2006 3:07 PM PDT reply actions

The Phils

I do think the Phils honor some of the Philly A's in their new ballpark. They have some kind of wall of fame divided into three sections. Phillies, area players (I guess this is where the A's would come in)and "Native Sons."

"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Jul 28, 2006 7:38 PM PDT reply actions

um, cuz...

Haren's still wearing it?

I do agree, though, that Rickey was awesome!

me: blah. I hate the Red Sox
Jon: me too. you have to wash them separately. its so annoying

by poetwee on Jul 30, 2006 6:51 PM PDT reply actions

and they should and will retire #24

It is weird that they make numbers available that are clearly going to be retired in time. And so I would advocate retiring Dave Stewart's #34 ... except it's since been retired as Rollie Fingers' #34. Stew wore it between the time Fingers played for the A's and the time they retired it.

Any chance they could retire #34 again, for Stew?

by rubin sierra on Jul 31, 2006 3:00 AM PDT up reply actions