When Rickey was with the Mets, I was at a Spring Training game that he wasn't playing in. Around the 3rd inning he came out of the dugout and through the gate out into the stands where the fans were standing. He announced that he wouldn't sign anything, but would be happy to take pictures, shake hands, anything like that. And that's what he did for about the next 3 innings. He couldn't have been more engaging and to this day I say it's the most fun I've ever had NOT getting an autograph. He talked to everyone who approached him and genuinely gave every fan his attention while doing so. An older gentleman showed him a magic trick and Rickey was beside himself trying to figure out how the guy did it. He took pictures with what had to have been 100 people. It was amazing. The best part to me, and something I'll never forget, someone up in the bleachers shouted down to Rickey, and the conversation went like this:
Fan - Hey Rickey!
Rickey - Yeah!
Fan - You're going to be in the Hall of Fame!
Rickey - (without missing a beat) I KNOW!
It was the most Rickey thing ever.
By all accounts a good person who loved baseball intensely and a true generational talent. Maybe the most complete player I've ever had the pleasure of watching play. RIP to the Man of Steal.
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