Rickey Henderson Coming Back to Oakland A's in Non-Player Role?

by Tyler Bleszinski on Aug 20, 2008 7:19 PM PDT Comment 82 comments

Yes, folks, I sat down for a two-hour or so interview with A's owner Lewis Wolff today at his Los Angeles office and he confirmed to me that he's in negotiations to bring Rickey Henderson back to the Oakland Athletics, where the greatest player in Oakland history will be when he is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Lew wasn't specific with the capacity in which Henderson will be with the organization, but it won't be as a player. He hinted at a goodwill community ambassador-type of position but that they may also use him to tutor the young A's. I think they're still developing what exactly that role will be.

It's been far too long that Rickey has been away from Oakland and I'm happy to report that, as long as things go well between Wolff and Henderson in negotiations, that will not last much longer. It's only fitting that Rickey will be Rickey once again with the green and gold in the year that he'll wind up being enshrined at Cooperstown. Even if it isn't as a player.

As for the rest of my lengthy Wolff interview which covered everything from his frustrations around the plodding movement of Cisco Field's future to the rebuilding of our beloved franchise to the recurring injury problems with A's players, I'll be transcribing and hopefully running it in several parts early next week.

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If Rickey came back as a player,

would he still be our third best hitter? Second? First?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 7:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing second behind Frank

At least until Gonzalez figures things out more consistently.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Aug 20, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not convinced that Frank has a whole lot left after this last injury

I’d bat Rickey leadoff, third, fourth, and sixth. Cust can bat second, Thomas and Gonzalez can fight it out for fifth.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, it's been 20+ years since he's had the power of Cust

And I think that now he would bat about .200, at best, so his OBP would be lower, too. I don’t think he’d be better than Suzuki, Swooney, or Gonzalez, either.

by thejd44 on Aug 21, 2008 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

rajai davis is now redundant.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 20, 2008 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was he ever really dundant?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jack Cust has always been kinda redunndant

There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 20, 2008 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't tease me

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 21, 2008 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

took the words right out of my mouth

Leaving aside batting average, he’d trail only Thomas or perhaps Swooney as an overall offensive player.

Reminds me of the great Ty Cobb story— circa 1960 or so while Cobb was still alive. Modern BallPlayer to OldTimer: “Hey Grandpa— what would the great Ty Cobb hit these days?” OldTimer: “oh, about .280 or so” Modern Player: “280— he had a lifetime average of 361— he’d only hit 280!!” OldTimer: “You gotta remember, he’s 75 years old.”

by windyfelix on Aug 21, 2008 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome, awesome news, Blez.

Maybe Rickey can teach some of his baserunning-strategies to Patterson, Pennington and anyone else who will listen. Can’t wait for the rest of the interview!

I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!

by Taj Adib on Aug 20, 2008 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And maybe Mark Ellis can teach Rickey about leadoff HRs!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 7:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rickey doesn't want to hear about no "Mark Ellis"

by Tyler Bleszinski on Aug 20, 2008 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and the thrid base coach or better yet

lets make Rickey the 3B coach and assistant hitting coach

by A'sfaninNC on Aug 21, 2008 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that is GREAT news!!

YAY RICKEY!!!

""These guys are a different breed of ballclub." - Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on the A's

by gotgreen on Aug 20, 2008 7:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Disputed home runs

The crew chief will have access to instant replay? This sounds horrible. Awesome news about Rickey though.

by LibrariAN on Aug 20, 2008 7:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks to Blez

Pretty cool to get scoops on your team’s blog ahead of the beat writers, etc.

One-of-a-kind access here. Awesome work Tyler.

"Innings eater? Depends on whether you want delicious innings or burnt, moldy innings. Kirk Saarloos is the Hot Pockets of inning eaters." - Gallagher's Watermelons

by notsellingjeans on Aug 20, 2008 7:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

so I'm curious: ambassador ... to whom?

There are multifarious potential uses to which Ambassador Rickey can be put:

Personal meet-and-greets with potential new ownership group members (is Rickey himself being given a nominal ownership stake?)
Personal meet-and-greets with potential/actual opponents of Selig Acres in Fremont
Personal meet-and-greets with potential early buyers of townhouses/lessors of luxury boxes
Appearances with local youths for the purpose of general PR (primarily targeted at Number 2 above)
Appearances with local youths for the purpose of rebuilding the local fanbase

My guess is Number 5 will get most of the press, but Number 2 will be the most important to the franchise.

There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 20, 2008 8:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Or #6

“providing a winning attitude” or whatever Joe Morgan will say.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 20, 2008 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

7. ambassador to the UN.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 20, 2008 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jeanne Kirkpatrick also referred to herself in the third person

There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 20, 2008 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm thinking he'll probably be the A's ambassador to Venezuela,... maybe Kirgystan or Kazakhstan..South Korea's also a possibility... :-)

Is that Embry warming up?....... NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

by iljackb on Aug 20, 2008 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So...

… is Wolff hiring Rickey to be a tour guide, or to wear the stomper costume?

Maybe there is an Oakland embassy in Mexico City or something.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Aug 21, 2008 1:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and actually, now that I've thought about it overnight ...

… andeux’s “lipstick on a pig” comment looms large as a motivation — are we perhaps finally seeing the attendance drop actually bite Crywolffisher in the pocketboook?

Maybe Lew, drawing on his experience as a fancy hotelier, is planning on using Rickey as a greeter?

There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 21, 2008 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interpreters don't come cheap though

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 21, 2008 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rickey doesn't need anyone to tell Rickey what Rickey meant when Rickey said it

There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 21, 2008 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the time it took me to parse that

Rickey stole second. And my watch.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 21, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rickey can tell you what time time it is before you need to know

There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 21, 2008 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and my wallet

by A'sfaninNC on Aug 21, 2008 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Capper3 thinks that's the best news he's heard all season!

by capper3 on Aug 20, 2008 8:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rickey for hitting coach!

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Aug 20, 2008 8:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And baserunning coach!

And leadoff coach!

by mikev on Aug 20, 2008 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And 3rd base coach

Because why not.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 20, 2008 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You don't really have to do anything -

The A’s don’t put on any plays, and no one is ever rounding third!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice work, Tyler

Absolute great news about Rickey’s return. My family is already making plans to take my oldest sister to Cooperstown next year (she turns 50; as does Rickey this Christmas).

I could not be more thrilled to learn this.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 20, 2008 8:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

New coaching position?

Is there anything in the rules that dictates how many coaches a team is allowed to have? If not, I wonder if the A’s might think about creating an entirely new coaching position modeled for Rickey to fill. It would be pretty nice if he was able to impart his experience to the team.

There were a number of stories a few years ago about how much he helped Jose Reyes while coaching for the Mets, particularly in regards to base running/stealing. As I recall there was some dispute as to how much credit should have been given to Rickey versus Reyes’s natural talent.

In the end, it’s just great to have Rickey back with the A’s – no matter what the capacity.

Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?

by JLeverenz on Aug 20, 2008 8:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sure. Can't. Hurt.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's an idea

Make Rickey the Getting-On-Base-And-Then-Doing-Something-About-It coach. I’m all for having guys that walk a lot on the team, but it would be awfully nice if they could actually put some pressure on the defense (for example, the Toluca Lake Vermin of Westminster) and force some action – at least it might cut down on the GIDPs we all bitch about.

"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08

by doctorK on Aug 20, 2008 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe there's a limit on the number of coaches on a staff

or at least on the field at a given time. Though there seems to be a bit of discrepancy when it comes to medical personnel at times. At the very least he could be on the field working before & after the games.

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on Aug 20, 2008 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep Larry Davis away from him!!!!!!!!!!!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing Rickey in a Mets uniform makes doctorK an unhappy camper

Great job scooping the ~~real~~ ~~true~~ complacent sports media, Blez.

"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08

by doctorK on Aug 20, 2008 8:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bring him back, Lew!

Looking forward to the whole interview, too.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Aug 20, 2008 8:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Minor league notes of note...

Jeff Baisley is 3 for 3 with 2 doubles so far tonight for Sacramento (2-2 in the 6th).

James Simmons pitched great in a win for Midland: 7.1 IP, 3 hits, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K. Jared Lansford finished up with 1.2 IP of scoreless ball (2 hits) to keep his 0.00 ERA intact.

Shane Spencer has hit his 5th HR for Stockton (they lead 4-3 in the 6th).

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 9:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oops - there is a Shane Spencer, but this was Matt.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was going to say...Shane Spencer is Lake Elsinore's hitting coach ;-)

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Aug 20, 2008 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scab

Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.

by ohtobe21likehuston on Aug 21, 2008 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but can they hit?

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 21, 2008 7:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the man of steal coming back...

sweet. best news in the last 6 weeks. he can come out of retirement in 2010. that should give him 5 decades and they will have to redo his plaque at the HOF

by KCB58 on Aug 20, 2008 9:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd leave that to his dentist

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Aug 20, 2008 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lipstick on a pig

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Aug 20, 2008 9:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Aug 20, 2008 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, that explains why Nico likes it

There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 20, 2008 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love this. Just because.

"If I've got baggage, he's got a whole set of Louis Vuitton." ~ Milton Bradley on Barry Bonds

by UncleLeo on Aug 20, 2008 9:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

thanks blez. looking forward to it.

as i sit tonight in empty place on a lawn chair. movers came today. two more nights in alaska and then on the road!

alaska A

by ak_A on Aug 20, 2008 9:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sweet ... devo has always wanted to see Rickey in an A's uniform again ...

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Aug 20, 2008 10:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A's fans sure needed this

What a great shot in the arm during a rather depressing stretch of baseball. Thanks Blez, for once again bringing us great inside A’s info.

by peanut gallery on Aug 20, 2008 10:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Seriously, can he hit for us?

I’m not convinced he wouldn’t be the best hitter on the team.

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Aug 20, 2008 11:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rickey's back!!

This is the best Lew Wolff signing of any kind since he became owner. Maybe he’ll sign some good veteran players next year. Doubtful, but one can dream. Look forward to a great read. Thanks in advance Blez.

by jdub69 on Aug 20, 2008 11:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Blez!

This made my evening….and I wasn’t even an A’s fan when Rickey was last with the team.

Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.

by Englishmajor on Aug 21, 2008 12:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sadly...

Taj was not either. Will Clark was too much of an all-american to deter his attention to the other side of the Bay. But Taj will always talk in the 3rd person to appease Rickey from here on out…

I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!

by Taj Adib on Aug 21, 2008 1:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is all kinds of awesome

I don’t even care what capacity or if it has any practical use whatsoever. I just love me some Rickey.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Aug 21, 2008 12:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Keep Rickey in Oakland

Our new guys could learn some old school by one of the best in the business.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Aug 21, 2008 1:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

In a limited capacity, I hope

I certainly don’t want him teaching them how to walk on and off the field between innings, how to sit in the bullpen during pitching changes, how to look in the stands while the ball is in play, or how to step out of box to bitch about every called strike.

Root for the Giants? Not even if they're playing al-Qaeda!

by Monday Fan on Aug 21, 2008 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's not forget showing up late for Spring Training

But hey, that was just Rickey being Rickey. He was part on-field performer, part entertainer. And most fans loved that about him (so long as the on-field part was at a high level).

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 21, 2008 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm looking forward to parsing every word

that comes out of Lew’s mouth! Can’t wait for the interview. The Ricky intro is a nice little tease to boot! Mad blogging skills there Mr. Blez. Pretty soon, people will be interviewing you.

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

by alox on Aug 21, 2008 6:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Looking forward to reading more on your interview w/Lew.

Rickey has rounded third and is coming home. Time to retire the #35 and #24 for good.

The swinging (and missing) A's of 2008!!

by OakFaninFL on Aug 21, 2008 8:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good news!

Rickey being Rickey around the Coliseum would be a good thing!

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Aug 21, 2008 9:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This is great but I dont expect too much...

I remember being there when Rickey stole his base, and I was also there for all season 1988-1990 and watching really was fantastic.
There are however a few truths if you have watched Rickey over the years:
#1. Its Rickeys World. Hes one of the greatest ball players in the world but its all about him
#2. Hes probably not a great coach. There is a reason the Mets arent throwing a fit about not having him around anymore. Rumors were he missed his first day as batting coach with them as he was strolling around CA. Also for the reason above hes probably not great.
#3. Hes not long for any one position Look at his past since he stopped playing for San Diego Surf Dogs, calling Billy every week to see if he could play. Lets all remember Rickey HAS NOT been part of the A’s organization largley because he wouldn’t let go of the dream of playing. ITs the reason Billy wouldnt bring him back in years past.
ALL THAT ASIDE: If Rickey can bring a winning attitude to this team and put some fire under some butts; Van Burk, Tony Disco, Shooty Babbit, I dont care who you fire, Bring On The Greatest! Just remember his best asset is his largest liability. He knows hes the greatest EVER.

Your 2008 East Bay Athletic Rivercats of the greater Fremont Area!

by asfan777 on Aug 21, 2008 9:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I always though he got a bad rap

for the whole “Greatest of All Time” thing. But people embraced Ali for pretty much the same thing. Or at least I think they did.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 21, 2008 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care ...

I’m just glad that he will be back in the green and gold…where he BELONGS.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 21, 2008 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rickey can be Rickey

simply because the man has earned it. He is single handedly the reason I became an A’s fan in the first place in 1979. I don’t care what people say about him and it is about time the A’s have brought back the ultimate Athletic.

Go Rickey, go! Nice work Blez.

by mrod on Aug 21, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Next up: Blez interviews Rickey

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Aug 21, 2008 11:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

rickey interviews rickey

by inbillywetrust on Aug 21, 2008 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Rickey...

what do you think about Rickey coming back to Oakland?"

“Well, Rickey, Rickey is very pleased to have the opportunity to come back home and see Rickey’s fans. Rickey sure does miss those fans. And I know they miss Rickey, too. Rickey just hopes that 67MARQUEZ never finds that one photo of Rickey in that red jumpsuit. Rickey can’t believe Rickey wore that.”

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 21, 2008 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has a HOFer ever unretired?

…of course, I don’t think Rickey has ever officially retired…

by calgbear on Aug 21, 2008 12:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Jim Palmer tried

but lasted only one game.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Palmer

by guapobob on Aug 21, 2008 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Hendu available these days?

by gregorymark on Aug 21, 2008 2:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

At his fantasy camp, yes.

I really want to go to that soon. I also want to see if he remembers a little story from one of the rare times he played RF in Oakland.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Aug 21, 2008 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You need to go to the next camp

I go every year, Hendu turns 50 this year and he is going to be a camper instead of a coach. The camp is an absolute blast. Last year my locker was between Hendu, and Campy. Campy was one of my coaches, I now see why we won back then, he is full of fire and wants to win, even with us old guys out there.

Stomp,em, stomp the piss out of em.Then pound the budweiser after the game. Joe Schultz Seattle Piolts Mgr 1969

by billyball1981 on Aug 21, 2008 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs