People always ask me why I still want to play, but I want to know why no one will give me an opportunity. It’s like they put a stamp on me: ‘Hall of Fame. You’re done. That’s it.’ It’s a goddamn shame.
I don’t think some of the players understand what the people are about. The people are coming out to show you their appreciation of the game, and the player that you are.
I love talking about baserunning.
Lou Brock was a great base stealer but today I am the greatest.
I have to play baseball to make me happy. I have to be an athlete. But when it’s all said and done, I’ll be a normal father. A normal-type house man.
My dream was to play football for the Oakland Raiders. But my mother thought I would get hurt playing football, so she chose baseball for me. I guess moms do know best.
I haven’t had the time to say, ‘I’m retiring.’ But baseball says, ‘You’re retired.’
Just because I believed in what I was doing on the field and dedicated myself to playing the game, does that mean I’m cocky? Does that mean I’m arrogant?
All I’m asking for is what I want.
Rickey got a big ranch. Rickey got a big bull. Rickey got horses. Rickey got chickens and everything. And Rickey got a 20-gallon hat.
This is Rickey calling on behalf of Rickey. Rickey wants to play baseball.
Don’t worry, Rickey, you’re still the best.
Certain guys, they can see a guy do a certain thing with their glove and know what pitch is coming. I couldn’t do that. But I can get on first base and I can tell you by his move if that pitcher is going to first base or home plate every time.
My impact on the game was going out there and making things happen.
Somehow, I’ve been blessed to be able to have the young spirit inside – not feel like every year I get a year older. I feel like every year I get a year younger. I don’t wake up in the morning with aches and pains.
To all the kids out there: Follow your dream. Believe in your dream. Because dreams do come true.
People say I stole a lot of bases. I stole the bases for a reason. I crossed the plate.
When you’re a kid, you want to be a millionaire.
The only name on my birth certificate was Henley, no first name.
Let’s see, for breakfast Rickey will have bacon and eggs, and grits if I can get ’em.
Well, Rickey’s not one of them, so that’s 49 percent right there.