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Henderson still hanging around
Posted: Tuesday May 16, 2000 10:12 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Rickey Henderson, released last weekend by the New York Mets, was still in the team's clubhouse before the game on Tuesday. Dressed in street clothes with sunglasses on his head, Henderson was seen walking around a relatively empty clubhouse hours before the game. Henderson, baseball's career steals leader, was placed on unconditional release waivers Saturday, one day after failing to run out a drive. Barring an unexpected waiver claim, he becomes a free agent at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday. Mets manager Bobby Valentine said he didn't mind that Henderson was still in the team's clubhouse. "He was in my office the other day and we had a nice talk," Valentine said."I think he feels he has an opportunity that will benefit his career. I have no problem with him being here." Henderson's name plate had already been taken off his locker and two packed cardboard boxes sat inside his stall Tuesday. "He either came back for his check or he really liked it here," Valentine said. Henderson, angry all year because he wanted a raise from his $1.9 million salary, hit .219 for the Mets this year with no homers and two RBIs. "I'm certainly disappointed that Rickey didn't play like he did last year here, because he was a very important part of the team," Mets co-owner Fred Wilpon said. "I think it left our manager and general manager scratching their heads. But I think our guys handled the situation very well, with a lot of respect and patience." Henderson's replacement, Joe McEwing, started in center field and was the Mets' leadoff hitter for the third straight game.
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