Rickey Nelson Henley Henderson, a baseball legend known for his unparalleled skills on the field, was equally renowned for his distinctive and often perplexing personality. Nicknamed "Man of Steal," Henderson's career spanned 25 seasons in Major League Baseball, during which he set numerous records for stolen bases, runs, and walks. Beyond the statistics, however, lay a character that transcended the game, contributing to a rich tapestry of anecdotes
and a unique cultural mythology. His buoyant, eccentric, and quotable nature, famously including his habit of referring to himself in the third person, both entertained and occasionally bewildered fans and the media.
The Man Who Spoke in the Third Person
One of Henderson's most famous quirks was his tendency to refer to himself in the third person. This linguistic habit became a hallmark of his public persona, leading to countless stories and quotes. While many perceived this as arrogance or eccentricity, Henderson himself offered a different perspective. In 2003, he explained, "People are always saying, 'Rickey says Rickey.' But it's been blown way out of proportion. Rickey says it when Rickey doesn't do what Rickey needs to be doing. Rickey uses it to remind himself, like, 'Rickey, what you doing, you stupid. ... ' Rickey's just scolding himself." This self-correction mechanism, though unusual, provided insight into his intense focus and self-awareness.
Despite his explanation, the third-person references often fueled the perception of him as a larger-than-life character. Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci famously wrote, "Rickey is the modern-day Yogi Berra, only faster," acknowledging the comedic and memorable nature of Henderson's pronouncements. This unique communication style, whether intentional or not, contributed significantly to his iconic status, making him one of the most recognizable and talked-about figures in baseball history.
Fact, Fiction, and the Making of a Myth
The line between fact and fiction often blurred when it came to Rickey Henderson. Numerous unconfirmed stories circulated about him, some becoming part of baseball folklore. One widely reported anecdote, later revealed to be a clubhouse joke, involved Henderson supposedly not recognizing his teammate John Olerud, who wore a batting helmet while playing defense. The story claimed Henderson commented that a former teammate in Toronto did the same thing, only for Olerud to reply, "That was me." This tale, despite its fabrication, highlighted the kind of urban legends that grew around Henderson, suggesting a persona so unique that reality struggled to contain it.
Other stories, while perhaps exaggerated, painted a picture of his distinct approach to life and money. For instance, he was said to have framed a $1 million signing bonus instead of cashing it, losing several months' interest. He also reportedly saved his per diem money from road trips in a box, allowing his children to choose an envelope as a reward for good school performance. These anecdotes, whether entirely true or embellished, contributed to the "cultural mythology" that Verducci described, placing Henderson alongside figures like Johnny Appleseed and Davy Crockett as individuals whose stories transcended mere reality.
The "Greatest" and His Legacy
Henderson's self-proclaimed title of "The Greatest" after breaking Lou Brock's stolen base record in 1991 was another defining moment of his persona. While some interpreted it as arrogance, Henderson later clarified that his idol, Muhammad Ali, had used the same phrase, and he had even discussed his planned remarks with Brock, who "had no problem with it." This moment, though controversial at the time, underscored his confidence and belief in his own accomplishments. He felt that the statement overshadowed his achievements, but in his 2009 Hall of Fame induction speech, he again alluded to Ali, stating, "I am now in the class of the greatest players of all time. And at this moment, I am ... very, very humble."
This blend of supreme self-confidence and a touch of humility, combined with his on-field brilliance, created a legacy that was both statistically profound and culturally rich. His personality, marked by its eccentricities and memorable quotes, ensured that Rickey Henderson was not just a baseball player, but a true character whose impact on the sport and its narrative continues to resonate. As Trevor Hoffman, a former teammate, put it, "Years from now, though, I'll be able to say I played with Rickey Henderson, and I imagine it will be like saying I played with Babe Ruth," highlighting the almost mythical status Henderson achieved.
