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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Henderson, Rice Headed to Cooperstown

Prototype leadoff hitter elected to Baseball Hall on first try; Rice gets in on last try

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(Newser) – Rickey Henderson and Jim Rice have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, MLB reports today. Henderson, often cited as the best leadoff hitter ever, was considered a shoe-in, and captured 94.8% of votes in his first year on the ballot. Rice, a Boston stalwart, squeaked in with 76.4% of the vote in his final year of eligibility. The cutoff is 75%.

Both played left field, Rice with Boston his entire 16 seasons, Henderson with nine teams in a 25-year run. Henderson’s career steals record is virtually untouchable; no one has come within 20 bases of his 1982 single-season record of 130. Notable losers this year include outfielder Andre Dawson, with 67% in his 8th year of eligibility, and pitcher Burt Blyleven, with 62.7% in his 12th.

Rickey Henderson holds up a commemorative home plate after he scored his 2,246 career run, setting the all-time record.
Rickey Henderson holds up a commemorative home plate after he scored his 2,246 career run, setting the all-time record.   (AP Photo)
Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice in 1989.
Boston Red Sox slugger Jim Rice in 1989.   (AP Photo)
Former Oakland Athletics' Rickey Henderson in 2005.
Former Oakland Athletics' Rickey Henderson in 2005.   (AP Photo)
New York Yankees' Rickey Henderson takes off to steal third base in 1986.
New York Yankees' Rickey Henderson takes off to steal third base in 1986.   (AP Photo)
Former Boston Red Sox player Jim Rice.
Former Boston Red Sox player Jim Rice.   (AP Photo)
In this May 2, 1991, file photo, Ricky Henderson holds up the third base after breaking Lou Brock's all-time record for stolen bases with his 939th stolen base.
In this May 2, 1991, file photo, Ricky Henderson holds up the third base after breaking Lou Brock's all-time record for stolen bases with his 939th stolen base.   (AP Photo)
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