Rickey Henderson led the American League in stolen bases every year but one in the 1980s. In the years he did lead the league, save the ’81 strike-shortened year, Henderson averaged more than 92 steals a season.
In 1987 injuries limited Henderson to just 95 games. That season a career-high 60 stolen bases from Harold Reynolds led the league.
On the Dan Patrick radio show Reynolds told a story about a phone call he received from Rickey.
“The season ends, the phone rings. ‘Henderson here.’ He always talks in the third person. So I say, ‘What’s up, Rick?’ He goes, ‘Man you oughta be ashamed.’ I go, ‘What are you talking about?” He says, ‘Sixty stolen bases? You oughta be ashamed. Rickey has 60 at the break.’ Click. He hangs up.”
There is only one Rickey Henderson.
Rickey Henderson played for the Yankees for five seasons from 1985-1989. He led the AL in steals in four of the five seasons and posted a 135 OPS+ during his time with the Yanks.
In the collection is a payroll check from just before the opening of the 1987 campaign dated March 31.