Sun, Dec 13, 11:44:43AM
by Associated Press
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The New York Mets needed a leadoff man, especially after stealing the fewest bases in the majors last season. They found him in Rickey Henderson, who has stolen more bases than anyone.
The Mets, in pursuit of Henderson for almost a month, caught up with the free agent outfielder on Sunday.
Henderson, who turns 40 on Christmas Day, agreed to a one-year contract plus an option year. His base salary for 1999 will be $1.8 million, with a $500,000 buyout _ if he gets 500 plate appearances next season, his 2000 contract is guaranteed for $2 million. He can also reach $500,000 in incentives each year.
``Arguably, Rickey Henderson is the best leadoff hitter in the history of the game,'' Mets general manager Steve Phillips said at the winter meetings.
Henderson will play left field, where New York used several players last season. The Mets wound up using Tony Phillips, who signed with Oakland on Friday.
``The Mets have put together a team that can win the division,'' Henderson said on a conference call from Oakland. ``I want to be a part of it.''
``I'd say the Mets have the best team in New York now,'' he said. ``The Yankees have been on top for a while, now it's the Mets' turn to take over.''
Henderson wanted to sign with a team with a good lineup in hopes of reaching his final career goals _ setting baseball's career record for runs and walks.
He ranks sixth on the runs list with 2,014, with Ty Cobb leading at 2,246. The record is within reach _ trailing by 232 _ though he would probably have to play beyond this contract to get it.
Henderson is much closer to the walks record with a total of 1,890, third lifetime behind Ted Williams and leader Babe Ruth (2,056). With his tight crouch and good eye and knowledge of the strike zone, Henderson probably will need just two healthy seasons to add that record to his steals mark.
``Sure, I'm known for my basestealing,'' Henderson said. ``But the ultimate is scoring runs. That's one record I really want to get.''
Despite batting a career-low .236 last season for Oakland, he led the AL with 118 walks and topped the majors with 66 stolen bases, pushing his record career total to 1,297. He became the first player to lead his league in both walks and steals, and the oldest player to lead in either category.
Henderson scored 101 runs, had a .376 on-base percentage, hit 14 home runs and drove in 57 runs for the Athletics in his fourth stint with the team. He also has played for the New York Yankees (1985-1989), Toronto, San Diego and Anaheim.
Mets leadoff hitters batted .237 with a .321 on-base percentage and 15 steals last season. As a team, New York stole 62 bases and was caught 46 times. Henderson was caught 13 times.
The Mets have been one of the majors' busiest teams in the offseason, re-signing Mike Piazza, Al Leiter and Dennis Cook, and signing Robin Ventura. They have also made two big trades, getting Bobby Bonilla and Armando Benitez and dealing away Todd Hundley and Mel Rojas.
Seattle also had been interested in Henderson, but did not figure to match what the Mets offered.
``Seattle called late last night, but we didn't solicit an offer from them,'' agent Jeff Borris said.
Henderson's only previous time in the NL was with the Padres in 1996 and most of 1997.
Henderson will wear his favorite number, 24, with the Mets. Willie Mays wore it with the Mets in 1972-73, and it has not been worn by anyone on the team since, except for a few days by infielder Kelvin Torve in the early 1990s.
``That was an oversight,'' Phillips said.
Back to articles.