Rickey Henderson Returns to the Majors
July 15, 2003 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Newark Bears News Release
NEWARK, NJ, July 14-The Newark Bears announced today that the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to contract terms with Atlantic League All Star Game MVP and future baseball Hall-of-Famer Rickey Henderson.
The 44 year-old Henderson joined the Bears this season after not receiving a spring training invitation from any Major League team. With Newark, Henderson batted .339 with 8 home runs and 33 runs-batted-in. At the time of his departure from the Bears, Henderson was the second leading hitter in the Atlantic League, was tied for the league lead in runs scored (52), led the league in on-base percentage (.493) and was second in slugging percentage (.591). He also had nine stolen bases and led off three games with home runs.
"I enjoyed my stay in Newark and working with the younger generation players," said Henderson. "I saw it as a preview of being a coach one day when my playing days are done."
Henderson, who is Major League Baseball's all-time leader in stolen bases, runs scored, walks and lead-off home runs, instantly became the greatest and most famous player to ever don a uniform in the Atlantic League when he started for the Bears on opening day against the Bridgeport Bluefish. He added to his legacy by winning the MVP award at the Atlantic League All Star Game last Wednesday, going 1-2 and driving in the winning run with a double.
"I would like to thank the Bears and the rest of the teams in the Atlantic League for their courtesy and professionalism and for making my stay a comfortable one," said Henderson. "I enjoyed meeting everyone in their respective communities, especially the kids."
Chris Bryan, Vice President and General Manager of the Bears, said, "It was a true pleasure to have Rickey as a member of the Bears family. I applaud his play on the field, his work with our players and his great relationship with our fans. It's great to know that he will always be a Bear."
Canadian American League Stories from July 15, 2003
- Ambassadors Hang on to Beat Elmira, 7-5 - Allentown Ambassadors
- Spirit Bats Alive in 9-2 Win - North Shore Spirit
- Surf Wins Fourth Straight - Atlantic City Surf
- Excerpts from Rickey Henderson Press Conference - Newark Bears
- Peto Ramirez Returns to the Bears - Newark Bears
- Rickey Henderson Returns to the Majors - Newark Bears
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