Henderson gives his Hall of Fame induction speech

7/26/09: Rickey Henderson talks about playing for nine teams throughout his career and what it means to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame
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[@erikingmundson]

He dedicated his whole speech to talking about other people who made a difference in his life. Not a word about himself. That’s class.

[@lukemurphy618]

Also not a correct tense in the whole thing.

[@folo_x3434]

@@lukemurphy618 what

[@duewhit310]

He was well-known for referring to himself in the 3rd person "Rickey's tired, Rickey's gonna walk to first"

[@allencollins6031]

@@lukemurphy618 so what. His baseball IQ was off the charts.

[@ryanmorrissey4087]

He spent his whole career doing that so didn’t need to here

[@richiemorii260]

To Hendersons credit. He saw a speech therapist in the months leading up to his HOF speech. He is a proud man and wanted to sound good that day.

[@chrisroberts7017]

@@duewhit310 he had a stutter his whole career

[@johnkirchner1771]

i'd be damn proud too. legend.

[@scottybowz]

He was my childhood hero. Just the best. In 2002(?) when he was on the Red Sox handling LF I yelled out “Hey Rickey how many more bases do you need to steal?! We love you but hang’em up!” Rickey just yelled back “I love you and that’s why I’m still here!” It was so great. Rickey needs his own holiday.

[@thetruth72667]

He is my favorite as well man!

[@MatthewW713]

Rickey is truly one of a kind. People throw that saying around to freely in my opinion, but with Rickey it is certainly true. One of the all time greats and without a doubt one of the most entertaining players to ever play the game.

[@JonahLoeb]

It's so weird hearing him speak in the first person. Part of me expected him to come out and say, "Rickey wants to thank you for this honor. Rickey's always dreamed of being in the Hall of Fame."

[@jamesd2128]

That would've been beautiful ! What a character, what a ballplayer, he's been out've MLB for eighteen years and I still miss him.

[@thetruth72667]

He's been my favorite player ever since I saw him go from 1st to home on a passed ball when i was 6yrs old! Ricky runs!!!!

[@chrisweidner4768]

Greatest leadoff hitter ever. No competition. Ever. Played the game with pure love and panache. And such skill. Mr. Henderson speaking about his gratitude to so many people. Perfect. Perfect speech.

[@CRANE983]

I met Rickey when he signed an autograph for me and a friend. I told him my friend was the best on the block. He said, “The best on the block always goes somewhere!” Huge smile. Handshake. I wouldn’t wash my hand for days. When I read that he was a jerk I knew it wasn’t true, and this speech shows it. Also, read the Howard Bryant bio if you haven’t yet!

[@robertmccully2792]

Best speech ever, it was from the heart.

[@eden234523452345]

This man represents everything pure and wholesome and wonderful about the game of baseball. WAR doesn't even come close to quantifying the terror this man was on a diamond. By the time you saw him, it was already 1-0. Thank you, Rickey!

[@Frank_Cohen]

Perfect speech

[@SolitarySoldier]

Frank Cohen i got a picture with this guy when he played indy ball before getting back into affiliated ball great player!

[@jasonburdette6921]

One my favorite Baseball players from my childhood! You can tell Billy Martin had big impact on his career and how much he loved Billy Martin and misses him!

[@rd-pd8xb]

My favorite player ever. He created chaos for the pitching side. When he got on base, all 9 players were in panic mode.

[@RD-us7mp]

Rickey, You made all of us Oakland Tech Bulldogs proud. Congratulations! RD Class of ‘77

[@jazzbassoonpaul]

My favorite player of all time. I can't overstate how much impact he had on a game just by getting on base. No one does that anymore like he did-he terrorized pitchers because they all knew it was just a matter of time when he'd be off and running to safely steal another base. It was like watching a great boxer, a great cornerback at his prime totally take the other team out of their comfort zone. What he meant to Oakland was beyond words-he WAS Oakland. His Rickey flair-catches, his constant energy, his power, his long curvy trots around the bases that looked more like a circle from home to 1st. Once upon a time I was driving my car in the early 1980s when a Rolls Royce pulled up to me and I heard it honk. I turned to see the driver and it was of all people Rickey Henderson! He then nodded and smiled in my direction and took off as the light was green.

[@thetruth72667]

RICKY RUNS!!! Nobody could create the runs this man created. He truly is an anomaly as far as baseball goes. You just can't Excell the way he did in so many categories. Amazing

[@johnwalker9477]

Paul Hanson, In 1995 I went to see the john singleton movie higher learning at the century complex in East Oakland and my wife was with me and she's not even a sports fan, but she knows who's famous and she spotted Rickey in the audience with his wife Pam and asked me to get his autograph. When I asked Rickey for an autograph, he says man why do you want to get me Started like this. So he agreed to bring the autograph to me instead. After the movie we saw him in the parking lot signing autographs and I introduced him to my wife and he introduced his wife also.

[@jazzbassoonpaul]

@@johnwalker9477 awesome!

[@paulhammerich9244]

Rickey Henderson you are the man. You are the best ever to play the game.

[@benjaminvoss7987]

My first A's game as a kid he lead off the game with a HR. Ricky is a legend.

[@joeyparkhill8751]

What a coincidence! 1st Time I saw Rickey play in person he was towards the end of his career, playing for the Mariners [my team] & he led off the Bottom of the 1st with a HR vs. the Tampa Bay [Devil] Rays. I had no idea it was his 1st at-bat as a Seattle Mariner until years later!

[@Patriotic327]

Wow!!!!

[@shanedawson-xt3wt]

My favorite player of all time. I saw him play over 100 times! (All Oakland) He is the best lead off hitter of all time and in my opinion the greatest all around player of all time! Loved his speech at the end. “I am…. Very very humble” GOAT!

[@mysticakhenaton1701]

GREAT speech, Rickey. 👍👍👍👍

[@DWilliam1]

Super humble and great speech. Like him even more now. Was surprised not one 3rd person reference.

[@tomconway5684]

What a great HOF speech.Ricky a great player and even better personality.

[@petermaguire1939]

From a Yankee fan God bless

[@rockinyouallnight]

Rickey Henderson was Billy Martin's favorite player. ...and Wild Turkey was Billy Martin's favorite drink.

[@davidstiles1622]

I was ten years old and a dodgers’ fan in 1989. But Rickey was my favorite. Legend. I didn’t know then but I know now - he stood up for himself and made sure he was compensated properly and respected. True greatness all around.

[@carlosiswhoiis9971]

Ricky is one of my favorites ever. One of the best players ever. I love that story about Reggie.

[@bonniekeough244]

People, you're only looking at one of the best top ten players off all time.

[@sammyholdem2492]

His all around numbers are unbelievable. Top tier hall of famer

[@kylemc8851]

5

[@THECLARENCES]

LOVE that he gave Billy Martin kudos!!! xoxo The Clarences

[@oswaldoortiz6733]

Mr. Henderson, born to succeed. Born to conquer MLB. THANK YOU

[@e2go]

What a beautiful speech.

[@donaldcampbell9483]

Thanks for the memories Rickey. My best memories as a kid were watching you play in Oakland. Great speech!

[@SolitarySoldier]

Donald Campbell i met him and got a picture with him!

[@reck0n3r]

Loved him when he was on the A's even as a young Blue Jays fan. What a specimen of a ball player. Was super stoked when he joined the Jays.

[@JeromeDukes]

Rickey was definitely one of the best leadoff batters in the history of the game. I'm a Blue Jay fan and whenever the Jays played the A's, he would single handedly beat the Jays. It seemed everytime he'd get on base, two pitches later he'd be on 3rd. I can't think of any player past of present that put the fear of God in players, coaches and fans.

[@MCLogikILL]

He was the best leadoff hitter ever, to me it's not even close.

[@Trashman702]

One of the best? Name 1 better. We will wait

[@michaels8816]

Possibly the best Hall of Fame speech

[@alexlifeson6917]

Nope, Dave Winfield's speech is the greatest ever! No one's even close.

[@timothymccray7436]

Everyone falling on themselves, trying to get to him, to shake his hand because he is genuine. Mr. Henderson deserves his roses.

[@derrickholmes2024]

MLB thanks for sharing this video.

[@creek3205]

With a glazed donut and a cup of hot chocolate, awesome!

[@50nuccio]

Such gratitude. Such class. Such courage.

[@gbaker1a775]

Oakland really does have one of the best group of fans out there.

[@mikeshoe74]

I kind of don't understand why they operate like a small market. They've had so many great teams. Great players. Great history. Yet, they have these teams that always fall just short, and have to part ways with home grown talent all the time.

[@mhr5586]

Complete class act. Something lost on many of today's "stars".

[@MrCubswin1]

Ricky is a legend. Ricky in the 3rd person is the best Ricky. One of the best all around players ever. Grats, Ricky truly one of the best ever.

[@carlosinzen]

My favorite player of all time.

[@MrMarcus70]

I’m a lifetime Orioles fan never liked Ricky for 1 reason he wasn’t an O’s but after hearing his speech I have found a new respect for this man God bless you Mr Henderson and thank you for your talent 4:57

[@allencollins6031]

This guy had a baseball IQ that was off the charts.

[@AK-hw9ij]

Too bad he could barely speak English.

[@youngbucksoldgoats]

Beautiful speech

[@AK-hw9ij]

😂 he sounds like he’s doing an Amos and Andy impression.

[@budgetbarista]

What a player and what a speech. I don’t know that anyone has ever loved playing baseball more than Rickey Henderson. I had the privilege of seeing him play as a Padre near the end of his career and even though he was obviously older, the lights still shone bright on Rickey. He will forever be one of MLB’s greatest players and his records will never be broken.

[@krashboombang]

Much respect to Rickey Henderson, one of a kind!

[@ajcaprio2361]

Man he loved Billy Martin!!!

[@arrjee9474]

Lot of players did

[@murdiesel]

Rickey you are the embodiment and the epitome of what a hero is! You are the American Dream sir, thank you!

[@juliandancingshadow4959]

I caught a home run ball by Jim rice against Oakland in Oakland, got him to sign it, and later lost it in the bushes playing with friends, and now he's in the Hall of Fame. Oops

[@aaronchavez1801]

My favorite all time player, as a child my dad took me to A’s games and we would sit on the bleachers and cheer on Rickey and Hendu!! April 2021 I get a text from my son’s high school baseball coach and he says I should stop by practice today as they have a visitor. So I head to Hayward High and Rickey is there and talking with the kids and taking pictures. As I am walking to the field he is walking to his truck and I politely just say thx Rickey for the memories, made my day. E40 poppin his collar….he got that from Rickey after he homered.

[@jimmyabrar9215]

Love the Reggie Jackson story. Two guys who routinely referred to themselves in the third person. Rickey inherited much of Reggie's swagger!

[@michaelfork7900]

My dad took me to a Indians and Mariners game when I was a kid, and Ricky was with Seattle at the time. I was so excited to get to see a shoe in hall of famer play in person. Ricky attempted to steal 2nd base the first time he got on and Sandy Alomar Jr rocketed a throw that got there just in time to get him out. Ricky was so mad arguing with the ump lol. Such an intense and dedicated player

[@stevenkonzen826]

I guess mom do knows best

[@PhunnyMunny]

Rickey is awesome

[@ssweeps]

He was so fun to see in person at the game. Wow!

[@jasonburdette7879]

One my favorite growing up.

[@SolitarySoldier]

Jason Burdette i got a picture with him when he was in indy ball with the Newark bears. Dude was awesome.

[@riverview9320]

A Must Read...Rickey's book "Off Base: Confessions of a Thief". Outstanding! - Hey, it takes a VERY competitive athlete to challenge records and GO FOR IT! He deserves the commendations for what he achieved.

[@NicholasAugusta]

Class. True class.

[@PFB1994]

My all time 25-man roster would have Rickey starting in LF batting leadoff. Legend.

[@franc587]

I love Senor Rickey. Man what a player he was and I admire his running style to this day. I teach my son to run like Rickey

[@go-goakins1489]

The greatest athletic ever- as in thee greatest Oakland athletic player to play the game!⚾️⚾️

[@kirjuan13]

Ricky was my favorite baseball player. When he broke the Stolen Base Record I was there that Wednesday in Oakland w/my niece sitting on my shoulders. I was so happy and proud, able to witness this historical even w/my niece. When Rickey said, "I am the Greatest!" after he set the record, I was very disappointed. His lack of humility let me down. But listening to his speech, with his sincere humility and grace. He is now my All Time Favorite Baseball Player. Thanks for the memories Rickey. You are truly The GREATEST! May God Bless you and your loved ones.

[@chrisbeneway9292]

My all around favorite childhood baseball player so exciting to watch as a kid

[@omniken66]

Best lead off hitter in history, nobody is close!

[@patriley1026]

Sounds a little like Eddie Murphy's Imitation of Buckwheat.

[@edwardanthony7283]

Good speech to go with a great unparalleled career & NY actually did him a huge favor trading him in the late 80's.

[@RedroomStudios]

these HOF speeches truly show the best of humanity!

[@dubras1]

Greatest athletic in history! We love you Ricky

[@DougPirahna]

How about Rickey as the greatest position player and Lefty Grove as greatest pitcher?

[@enriquedomingueziglesias5035]

Felicidades por integral al Hall Of Fame,bendiciones para ud,7:49PM,8/19/2018/,Raleigh,NC.

[@patrickfarrell5615]

Absolutely outstanding on the Diamond.

[@noetoledo8501]

Very humble human being.

[@eddierodrgz77]

What an honor to be a Hall of Famer, you truly are the greatest of all time!

[@jamestiscareno4387]

Rickey Henderson, the VERY BEST leadoff hitter in the entire history of Major League Baseball. Nobody else even comes close to his accomplishments.

[@MM-zj8be]

Speech was likr a forrest gump speech. Rickey the man

[@Joerigginz]

The best baseball player ever, RBI, stolen bases, homeruns , and fielding. What can you say? The Best period.

[@imaramblins]

I guess mom... Do knows bess... Classic!

[@jaimeramirez4766]

That story about Reggie: Souunds about right! Lol

[@michaels8816]

As usual, Ricky delivers

[@queenscityboxing2404]

Great speech!

[@MichaelOrensteinMD]

I was there and immediately said it’s one of the best speeches and I go to many. It was eloquent, sincere, funny although ungrammatical.

[@adambogan2989]

I noticed he has some pretty consistent errors. I have worked as an English teacher for 18 years, and I would bet Mr. Henderson has a learning difference present reading and speech. He inverted his plural and singlur subjects pretty consistently. This caused him to use incorrect verb cogegations and pronouns. I would suspect dyslexia. I read interviews about his education experience, it sounds like he struggled. It makes it all the more impressive that he took time in the months before the speech to practice and refine public speaking. He really delivered his speech so well, that the grammar issues weren't noticeable to me after a few minutes.

[@sempris]

He was my childhoood hero. I watched him on tv only. I played with his shirt under my jersey.

[@oswaldoortiz6733]

One of the greatest of all times

[@dakotalayinlow]

class act!

[@ToddieBender]

I used to see the A’s when they’d come to Boston and those teams w Ricky leading off had our number

[@good_teanice_house6789]

Toronto Thanks you Ricky 🙏🏾🇨🇦🏆

[@louky2228]

My favorite player growing was Rickey, and he was the first guy I had ever heard refer to himself in the third person!

[@LordNuDTru141]

GREATEST OF ALL TIME BY FAR!

[@brothabenji226]

My favorite baseball player

[@sacrimonius]

Awesome person. Love dat u know what.

[@sarcigon]

Probably the only player in history of baseball that will activate the defenses' panic mode when he got on base. God I miss those days.

[@hnc098]

Amazing accomplishments on the field. Did he graduate high school? His grammar/English is that of a 4th grader. Oakland public schools….sheeeeit.

[@SouthernSkeptic]

I've heard so many forner teammates tell stories about Rickey. I've never heard a teammate say a bad word about him in those stories.

[@Bubba603]

Excellent

[@connguy146]

There will never be another Ricky Henderson.

[@edwardanthony7283]

Well deserved and Rickey should have gone in unanimously like Mariano Rivera did. Run record, stolen bases, walks & so on. How could someone not vote for him??

[@oughtssought1198]

agreed could say the same for Hank Aaron or Willie Mays does leave a person wondering what's the point of making them wait a year

[@edwardanthony7283]

@@oughtssought1198 Senile voters...

[@oughtssought1198]

@@edwardanthony7283 from coast to coast in both parties but getting back to the Hall Of Fame vote it was nice to see Joe Gordon get in too Ricky's speech was a nice reminder of how many other folks' talents contributed to his success the on stage members were enthusiastic and it's nice to see how few comments here trolled Ricky's speech impediments instead of appreciating his accomplishments

[@DougPirahna]

It's a moronic tradition among certain baseball writers that thankfully seems to have gone by the wayside. Mariano Rivera was the FIRST unanimous selection just a few years ago, and Derek Jeter got all but one vote a year later. I expect that Pujols will be unanimous. Maybe Beltre and Ichiro as well. Again, that b.s. hopefully is a relic of the past.

[@leopomerenke1381]

2:31 "So she chosed baseball for me" 😂

[@juliorodriguez2182]

So basically.... Everyone forced him into baseball because they saw his greatness before him. 😎

[@robwicks67]

Mom do knows best!

[@jamiemoldenhauer7462]

A true wordsmith

[@tleevz1]

The GOAT

[@harmonybuilder7767]

As a kid if we were not playing baseball, we were playing whiffle ball, and Ricky Henderson was always up at bat, and we would argue about who got to be him, along with Jim Rice, Carlton Fisk, and Carl Yastrzemski. Henderson was always the favorite. Thanks to all of them for the great memories! Congratulations Mr. Henderson! Well Deserved!! 🧡

[@marloncosey8744]

OAKLAND A’s FINEST... THA BEAT 2 EVA DO IT...HE HAS DONE IT AND IT HAS NOT BEEN SEEN DONE SINCE!!!

[@flipperhansen5600]

Knowing when to make a word plural should be this hard. 😂🤣