Many consider Rickey Henderson to be the greatest of all time, including himself. One of my favorite off-field sports clips of all time is the Rickey Henderson speech following his ascension to the top of the list for career stolen bases. Please take a few seconds to watch this clip via this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q1kcftSGug
Also, if you have a little more time, take a listen to radio host Jim "The Legend" Rome (a monacher that I have just given him) break down just how great Rickey Henderson really was...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WFW8uO8Jcw
The first clip of Rickey is such a classic! There will never be another player, or individual, like Rickey Henderson in baseball. That speech, "Lou Brock was the symbol of greatness... But today I am the greatest of all time! Thank you," as he raises his arms in the air. What many don't know, is that Lou Brock was in attendance that day.... I mean, not only did Lou Brock attend the game in which knew his legendary record would get broken, Rickey made sure to remind him and the entire baseball world, that Brock was officially and publicly de-throned. Most Baseball enthusiasts would agree with me in saying that this was a remarkably notable send off. I equate that type of occurance to something like the heir to the throne taking the Crown off of his father's head and telling him that he no longer deserves to be king, even though he might be still be entitled as such.
The reason for which I am writing about Rickey is because this year he has been placed on the Hall of Fame ballot. And if there is anyone who should be considered as having a guaranteed first ballot chance of being voted into the Hall of Fame, it is Rickey Henderson. I, for one, absolutely cannot wait or contain my excitement to hear what Rickey will say during his moment on stage when he is inducted into the Hall of Fame.
I will go out on a limb and predict that he will make "the greatest (speech) of all time."
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