RICKEY NOT TOO RICKETY FOR DODGERS OLDIE BUT GOODIE HENDERSON GIVES NEW TEAM HOPE.

Byline: Matt McHale Staff Writer

Rickey Henderson figures he still can outrun Father Time.

He knows his 25th season in the big leagues probably will be his last. He also knows others have been saying that about him for almost a decade.

``I always felt this day would come,'' the 44-year-old Henderson said Tuesday, one day after the Dodgers signed him from an independent minor-league team to finish out the 2003 season.

``I'm happy they gave me this opportunity to continue playing baseball,'' he said. ``I hope I can help them win.''

Already saddled with the National League's worst offense, the Dodgers (49-44) need something fast. They are third in the National League West but 7 1/2 games behind San Francisco with 69 games to play.

With a pending ownership change, the club refused to increase its $113 million payroll for fear of triggering baseball's luxury tax. On Monday, they also acquired outfielder Jeromy Burnitz from the New York Mets for three minor leaguers. They received cash considerations to remain under the taxable threshold.

``With Rickey, we're gaining a player who understands what it takes to win at the major-league level,'' Dodgers general manager Dan Evans said. ``We feel he will be a valuable addition to the team.''

Though Henderson has not been a productive everyday player since 1999, he has one of baseball's most impressive resumes.

Regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter ever, he has scored the most runs (2,288), stolen the most bases (1,403) and drawn the most walks (2,179) in baseball history.

He also has 3,040 hits, more than any active player. Henderson was a 10- time All-Star and won the American League MVP award in 1990.

But perhaps his greatest attribute at this stage of his long career is his insatiable desire to play.

The Dodgers signed Henderson to a $300,000 contract after he appeared in 59 games for the Newark (N.J.) Bears of the Independent Atlantic League. Last season, he started the season in the minors and wound up with 179 plate appearances for the Boston Red Sox.

At Newark, Henderson hit .339 with eight homers, 33 RBI, 52 runs scored and nine stolen bases. He recently was named MVP of the Atlantic League All-Star Game.

``I got the opportunity to play independent ball, stay in shape, keep playing baseball,'' he said. ``The desire was there to keep playing baseball. With Newark, I had a great experience, to tell you the truth. I had a lot of fun playing with the kids. They treated me outstanding. I like working with the kids, I had a lot of fun. They asked me a lot of questions.''

Though Henderson said the talent in the independent leagues is between Double-A and Triple-A, scouts overall agree league speed is below professional standards.

But the Dodgers don't have much room to argue. They're last in the NL with a .244 batting average and 328 runs, and their 59 homers are the fewest in the majors.

A left-fielder throughout his career, Henderson is expected to see action there with Burnitz playing center.

Burnitz is expected to attend today's optional workout at Dodger Stadium in preparation for Thursday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Henderson's role probably will change when center fielder Dave Roberts (strained hamstring) returns from the disabled list. Roberts has missed much of the past two months and will require a minor-league rehabilitation assignment.

``I don't know how much longer I want to play the game. I know I'm coming to the end,'' Henderson said. ``I try to play the game right, I work hard at it. You keep working hard, things will come out good in the end.''

Matt McHale, [phone]

matt.mchale(at)dailynews.com

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Rickey Henderson is thankful the Dodgers gave him an opportunity for a 25th big-league season.

Rich Schultz/Associated Press