Off Base: Confessions of a Thief

The baseball star shares the story of his life, describing his relationships with such baseball greats as Charlie Finley, Dave Winfield, Jose Canseco, Reggie Jackson, and others, and discusses racism in baseball and player salaries

Henderson has stolen more bases than any other player in the history of American baseball, and has proven himself a skillful slugger too. He actively promotes his public image with a mouth that moves as fast as his feet. Here sports journalist Shea doesn't slow him down any. On the first pitch, Henderson defends his "hot dog" persona, styling himself as an "entertainer" who plays to win. Short, choppy sentences carry readers on a quick, predictable tour of Henderson's baseball career from the boyhood ball fields of Oakland, Calif., through the minor leagues to the Oakland Athletics, the New York Yankees and, ultimately, the Athletics again. Covering little controversial material, Henderson pays tribute to his mother (he never knew his father) and focuses on players and managers he respects (e.g., Don Mattingly, the late Billy Martin, Dave Winfield). Fans will revel in this book; others might more enjoyably watch Henderson on the field. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Henderson, who holds baseball's major-league record for most stolen bases, won't steal into many hearts with this superficial and self-congratulatory autobiography co-written by a baseball writer for the Gannett News Service. When Henderson broke Lou Brock's base-stealing record last year, he promptly grabbed a microphone and crowed, ``I am the greatest of all time.'' The subsequent public backlash did nothing to temper his pride, although it clearly stung, judging by the flood of defensive self-promotion on view here. For example: ``I don't think I'm greedy. If number one means stolen bases, hits, and runs, it also means dollars. Number one in all categories. That's not being greedy. That's being deserving. That's being number one. That's America.'' Sad to say, there's little in Henderson's retelling of his life to compensate for all the grandstanding. While some memories grip (the 1982 theft of 130 bases, a childhood friendship with M.C. Hammer) and genuine feeling sometimes seeps through (above all, in Henderson's deep love for manager Billy Martin), by and large this is autobiography by the book. A young man proves himself, paeans to motherhood powder the page, and Henderson's ego constantly gets in the way: Do we really need to listen to him tell Mark McGwire how to hit home runs? Unquestionably, Henderson is a baseball genius, the greatest lead-off hitter and base-stealer ever. But his mouth moves as fast as his legs, and the reader is left holding the bag. (B&w photo insert--not seen.) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Rickey Henderson is the premier base stealer in baseball history and ranks among the most complete ballplayers of all time. To many, he is also the prototype of today's spoiled, overpaid athlete. Readers of this book will discover a different Henderson, one who learned tenacity from a mother raising seven children alone, who remains close to boyhood friends, who gives back quietly to his community, and who works continually to stay on top in the most physically demanding aspect of baseball. The brashness that makes him successful on the field makes him appear arrogant off the field. Years from now, when utility infielders are earning more than Henderson, we'll be telling our kids he was the best player we ever saw. Recommended for all sports collections.
- Dan Bogey, Clearfield Cty. P.L. Federation, Curwensville, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.