This article highlights Rickey Henderson's contributions to the San Diego Padres during his three stints with the team. Despite being past his prime, Henderson's speed and base-stealing prowess led the Padres to their second divisional title in 1996.
Rickey Henderson was at his best when playing for the Oakland A’s and New York Yankees. His two stints with the Padres, though, deserve more than a footnote to his Hall of Fame career and standing as the sport’s best leadoff hitter. Though well past his prime, Henderson infused his rare jumpstarting voltage into Padres teams in 1996, 1997 and 2001 by reaching base and stealing bases at a high rate.
He was vital to San Diego winning the franchise’s second divisional title in 1996, back when new team ownership said postseason berths were needed for the franchise to get public money toward a downtown ballpark. Then 37 years old, Henderson led the ‘96 Padres in on-base rate (.410), walks (125) and stolen bases (37). Only Steve Finley scored more runs than his 110. Fans loved his flair, furthering the franchise’s revival from MLB’s infuriating work stoppage in 1994. Locals got a taste of the former longtime American Leaguer’s famed “Rickey runs” — a single or walk, followed by a stolen base or two and a sprint home on a hit or a productive out.The leadoff man logged 100-plus games in left field, stole 25 bases and mustered a .366 on-base rate on a modest $300,000 salary. He got his 3,000th hit in Mission Valley and became baseball’s career leader in walks and runs scored while wearing Padres navy blue. San Diegans saw up close that Henderson aged better than most ballplayers, even many of the great ones.Henderson cited his disciplined health habits off the field, and in particular, one activity familiar to all non-athletes.When he touted the merits of making sure to get plenty of zzzzs, Henderson brought to mind lifestyle pointers stated often by another folksy Hall of Famer whose durability astonished even fellow baseball greats. “Avoid fried meats which angry up the blood,” counseled Satchel Paige in interviews and his autobiography. The Padres’ Rickey Henderson celebrates after setting baseball’s all-time runs scored record in 200
RICKEY HENDERSON SAN DIEGO PADRES HALL OF FAME LEADOFF HITTER BASE STEALING
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