Henderson, Rice excel in contrasting roles

NEW MEMBERS: Jim Rice, left, and Rickey Henderson enter the Baseball Hall of Fame after starring in differing roles, Rice as a power hitter and Henderson as a leadoff batter who holds the all-time base-stealing record. They will be inducted today in Cooperstown, N.Y.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. – Rickey Henderson knew what was expected every time he batted. So did Jim Rice.

“Some way, I was going to scratch to get on base to steal that base,” Henderson said. “I steal that base, my day was good. My pride and joy was coming across the plate.”

Said Rice: “Believe me, I wasn’t paid to walk. I was paid to try to do some damage.”

Each player – Henderson, the quintessential leadoff man with an infectious smile, and Rice, the consummate power hitter with an icy glare – inflicted more than his share of damage on opponents, and they will be...

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July, 2009