Mets' Henderson Arrives Early

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

February 23, 1999 / 7:50 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

Rickey Henderson didn't just show up on time, he arrived early.

"If it's good for them, it's good for me," the career steals leader said Tuesday after working out with the New York Mets for the first time.

Henderson, 40, was known for showing up after the voluntary reporting date in his younger days, which infuriated the Oakland Athletics more than once.

"I think most people during my years have always said Rickey comes to spring training late," Henderson said. "But we were always scheduled a week in advance for the guys to come back from the East Coast, who had the bad weather, to give them a chance to get a head start.

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"I was always in California and always came to camp in tip-top shape. The week wasn't going to do anything for me. The press was always going to blow it out. I was always there; they never had to find me."

Bobby Bonilla also showed up early, just in time to celebrate his 36th birthday.

"I feel strong," said Bonilla, largely a disappointment when he was with the Mets from 1992-95. "I feel great. It's going to be fun for me."

During a morning session in the batting cage, both players hit live against Mets first-base coach Mookie Wilson. Henderson hit crisp line drives from the beginning of the session and Bonilla hit several balls over the fence.

"I don't necessarily think they need to be here early to show us anything, they just want to be here and that's great," Mets manager Bobby Valentine said. "They came, they mixed with the guys, they had great enthusiasm, talked a lot."

alentine also took notice that both players reported to camp in shape.

"I think they've been in long enough to know what messages are supposed to be sent by their presence, and I think they wanted to send the right message and I think they did," Valentine said. "I appreciate it totally."

Bonilla is coming off a pair of injury-plagued seasons with Florida and Los Angeles.

"I know Bobby Bo has worked very hard this winter," general manager Steve Phillips said. "Our strength and conditioning coach almost lived at his house and worked him over pretty good. Rickey is in phenomenal shape and we're pleased with how he's come in."