Butler relishes lessons from HOFer Henderson

This story was excerpted from Martín Gallegos’ A’s Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

MESA, Ariz. -- As a leader of the A’s ‘New Oakland’ youth movement, Lawrence Butler makes it a point to pay homage to those who came before him, especially those with Hall of Fame credentials.

So when Rickey Henderson made a guest appearance in A’s camp to impart some wisdom earlier this spring, Butler was one of the many young players who flocked towards the legendary speedster looking to soak up some knowledge.

“It’s an honor to be around baseball royalty like that,” Butler said. “I’ve talked to him about a million things. He’s helped me a lot with baserunning tips. Little helpful tips in the outfield to try to get my first step quicker, both on the basepaths and on defense. He’s been on me with that.”

Butler is too young to have watched the "Man of Steal" in his prime, but the 23-year-old outfielder is well-versed in Henderson’s historic career thanks to YouTube, where he has watched plenty of highlight videos.

From Henderson’s exciting power-speed combo to the flair and drip he brought to the game, Butler is a huge fan.

“The jersey pop and the chain pop when he hits a homer, he’s just always had swag and always been very confident,” Butler said of Henderson. “I feel like I would like to emulate parts of my game after Rickey. Just being able to talk to him and pick his brain this camp has been a huge help.”

It didn’t take long for the two to click. Butler was already affectionately referring to him as "OG Rick" about a week into Henderson’s arrival to camp.

In Butler’s mind, it is important for the new generation of A’s players to bridge the franchise’s past with its future. That is what he aims to do with all the legendary guest instructors who show up to camp, such as Henderson and Dave Stewart.

“They’re the ones who built up this organization and the fan base we have,” Butler said. “You always have to pay tribute to the OGs and not let those guys go unnoticed or forgotten. It’s always good to have those guys around.”