Zephyrs Get Coaching From All-Time Steals Leader

Could Rickey Henderson be a New Orleans Zephyr? The 48-year old outfielder donned the uniform for several days as a base-running coach during the team's road trip to Las Vegas, but thinks it is unlikely he will be wearing it as a player. Ever since Roger Clemens signed with the Yankees, speculation has been flying that Rickey will come out of retirement and play.

According to Henderson, the decision isn't up to him, but up to the teams. "I really want to play, I still think I can go out and perform."

Henderson hasn't played in the majors since 2003, but played in the independent Golden Baseball League two years ago in an attempt to show MLB teams he could still play. He doesn't expect a roster spot from a team, but just wants an invite to camp to prove he can play. However, he also admits that it is unlikely a team will him.

For now though, he is content to be a coach and pass his knowledge on to the young players. Henderson has been coaching the Mets to help players learn how to steal bases and run the bases better, but he doesn't see that as his only job.

"I overlook the whole part of the game and see whether my knowledge can help them out," said Henderson.

Henderson's stint with the Zephyrs was supposed to be primarily to help top prospect Carlos Gomez learn the running game better. However, with Mets outfielder Moises Alou getting hurt Gomez got called up the day before he was to work with Henderson in Vegas.

With Gomez in New York, Henderson spent his time mostly working with infielder Anderson Hernandez on his base-stealing.

Henderson talked about the speed the Mets possess in their organization, with Gomez as well as Jose Reyes.

"They can really run," said Henderson. "And my job is to give them ideas on what they are doing with their speed. I think the running game is about to start coming back because guys aren't trying to be like Hercules (hitting home runs), just trying to be normal."

The importance of a good teacher is not lost on Rickey. Although he has a reputation of having a big ego at times, he is quick to give credit to others who helped in his success. He credits former A's manager Billy Martin for his record-setting 130 stolen bases in a single season in 1982. He says Martin would give him a sign whenever a pitcher was going to throw a breaking ball so that Rickey could steal.

"I didn't have the slightest idea when he (the pitcher) was throwing a breaking ball," said Henderson. "(Martin) was a fighter, he stuck behind a lot of players. He treated me like I was his son."

Henderson is considered by many to be the best leadoff man ever. He is the all-time leader is walks, stolen bases, and runs scored.

Whether or not a team decides to sign the 25-year veteran is uncertain, but Henderson isn't the only one who would like to see 'The Man of Steal' back in a uniform. Fans have started a petition at www.letrickeyplay.com to try to convince a major league team to sign him, and at least let him retire as a player on his own terms.

For now, the Mets are happy to have the game's all-time best base-stealer coaching their young prospects with speed to burn.

As for making a trip to New Orleans to coach the Zephyrs, Henderson could not say exactly when, but said, "I'll be there..."

Listen to Henderson's interview with Zephyrs radio broadcaster Tim Grubbs (mp3)