Nov. 23, 1985
Ken Dayley and Gerald Perry of the Braves just opened a new club in Atlanta called Velocity. Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, too!
Nov. 24, 1985
I was looking into Greg Minton of San Francisco but decided against him; meanwhile, he goes to Oakland for two prospects, Robert Gould and Antonio Arias. That’s fine.
Eagles lose a tough one in Dallas that would’ve put them in a three-way tie for second place in the NFC East and in the front of the wild card race at 7-5. They’re now 6-6. Boo.
Nov. 25, 1985
It’s time: We decide to make an initial call to Rickey Henderson’s agent Richie Bry. It seems he has a few suitors (Baltimore, Boston, Milwaukee, California), and from what we can discern, really just the Angels would be competition at this point (we seem to have so much more money than others), and the asking price is probably lower than market value right now. So we decide to ask for a meeting with Henderson and Bry, and it’s booked for the weekend in the Bay Area.
Nov. 26, 1985
We decide to hold back on the rest of the market, including starting pitcher Mike Scott. The rest of the day is spent fielding approvals from minor league staff members coming on board for 1986. Thanksgiving break is coming up, and much of the staff leaves after today. I’ll head out tomorrow morning for some family time, but of course, I’m ready for anything.
Nov. 27, 1985
I give my assistant my information for my destination, in case anyone needs to reach me, and I’m headed home on a late-night TWA flight.
Nov. 28, 1985
Thanksgiving day. No news, so it’s time for turkey, a little VO, and two football games: the New York Jets at Detroit and the St. Louis Cardinals (no, not the baseball team) at Dallas.
Nov. 29, 1985
I spend the morning with family, then catch a flight to San Francisco International Airport. Bill Giles and I are off to meet with Rickey Henderson, who I hear is hoping to get a deal done quickly.
In fact, that evening as I get into my hotel, I’m summoned for drinks with Henderson’s agent Richie Bry. Bill Giles comes with to ensure it’s a top-down elevator pitch. Over our first round, Bry tells me Rickey is itching to get his future settled and likes our future. Bry adds that if we submit an offer that they take with them, we’ll be in the lead (though I also find out the White Sox are interested, among others).
Now I’m wondering if we’re overshooting, but then again, we did the math: Henderson is worth the cash.
Also today, we find out that the Mets are sending pitcher Tim Leary to St. Louis for Jose Uribe and prospect Mike Watters.
Nov. 30, 1985
Our last minor league coaching vacancy is filled, so we’re good for 1986.
Meanwhile, Bill Giles and I meet Rickey Henderson, his wife Pamela, and Richie Bry for lunch. It’s a warm, cordial lunch without much business talk. That said, Rickey gets in his: “Rickey wants to know why Philadelphia is where he’s gonna spend the rest of his career.” Instead of getting flowery about the city, I succinctly say: “Because Philadelphia will love you like nobody else.”
I submit a formal offer of eight years, $16 million. The eighth year is a team option with a $500,000 buyout. Rickey and Richie decide to consider it. Looks like we’re in the lead.
- CF Rickey Henderson - 8Y/$16M including team option (considering)
After lunch I head back to the airport and fly home to Philly. I get in late and call the office. No messages.