NEW YORK, July 13 (UPI) -- The New York Mets Friday confirmed Howard Johnson would replace fired hitting coach Rick Down.
When Down's firing was announced Thursday, record-setting stolen base king Rickey Henderson was reported by New York newspapers to be his replacement.
The Mets Friday said Henderson would be the team's outfield, base-running and first base coach.
"It's a shame that our lack of production in the first half affects him," right-fielder Shawn Green said of Down's firing.
When Down was fired, the Mets were fifth in the National League in on-base percentage and seventh in slugging percentage.
They have been plagued by key injuries and disappointing offensive outputs by big hitters Carlos Delgado and Carlos Beltran.
Henderson was a teammate of Mets' Manager Willie Randolph on the New York Yankees.
"We have a great relationship," Randolph said. "The players have responded to a lot of his teachings, so it will be good to have him."
