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Rickey On Rickey

The EHCC will be making a few important decisions this off-season, including a vote on the league commissioner at the 2010 Winter Meeting. With Ellis Burks' term coming to an end he is expected to run for re-election, while a new face is entering his hat into the ring for consideration - Rickey Henderson.




Rickey on Rickey
By: Rickey Henderson

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rickey [Henderson] the other day to pick his brain on the EHCC and his plans to run for commissioner.

Rickey: Thanks for taking the time to sit down with me. I know your life has been hectic as of late, with the Hall Of Fame inductions, having your number retired in Oakland, and signing autographs at root beer float socials.

Rickey: It's a pleasure to sit down with you. It really takes the stress level down a notch from my every day activities.

Rickey: You've been so busy in the MLB - playing for 9 different major league teams, coached 1st base for the New York Mets (along with being Jose Reyes' special base stealing coach), hold several MLB records, a two time MLB World Series winner, 10 time MLB All-Star, and are now a MLB Hall of Famer. Why continue your career in a rival league such as the EHCC?

Rickey: As I've said in the past, I've always wanted to be around the game. That's something that's in my blood. I said that in 2007, and it fits well now. I have the opportunity here in the EHCC to really make my mark, even more so than I did as a player.

Rickey: What kind of mark are you looking to make?

Rickey: I'm a big proponent of the divisions in the EHCC. I was a fan of the decision to start really using them in the 2009 season, even if it wasn't to the degree I'd like them used in the future. There needs to be a better way of creating rivalries and getting the fans more involved, and an unbalanced schedule based on the divisions would be a good way to start that. That will be one of the big things I'll push for.

Rickey: Are there any aspects of the EHCC you'd like to see expanded?

Rickey: There's one main area that comes to mind - I'd love to expand the league itself to 14 teams. Branching off to new markets would really help promote the league and the other teams already involved. It will bring out more competition and really start to separate those dedicated to winning from those, well, not so dedicated.

Rickey: What else would you push as commissioner?

Rickey: I'd like to see a waiver-like trading period, like in the MLB. A time after the trade deadline where teams could send players on informal trade waivers in order to get a trade done after the deadline.

Rickey: Are there are changes that Burks made while commissioner that you agree with?

Rickey: I'm a fan of the roster moves limitations placed on teams on a weekly basis, as well as the rule that doesn't allow recently drafted/signed minor league players to be drafted in the MiDraft until following season. It gives teams a good chance to study the players and know what they're getting with their picks, rather than gambling on a young player with a well known name.

Rickey: Once again, thanks for taking the time to sit down with me. Is there anything else my readers should know about your campaign before I let you go?

Rickey: I should make sure it is clear that I think Ellis Burks has done a wonderful job while in office. Moving forward I just believe Ellis has put a lot more on his plate than he should have to deal with. I've moved away from my previous, though I still keep in touch and occasionally help out with past endeavors, I've got a lot more free time to dedicate to the EHCC it seems. Ellis deserves a break.

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