Rickey Henderson was far more outspoken before last night’s game about the NL Championship ring snub and Steve Phillips’ explanation for it than he was his first night back at Shea Stadium.

“I think it’s a disgrace to baseball,” Henderson said.

Henderson said he was more upset with Phillips’ explanation – the Mets’ GM said he didn’t think being paid $1.8 million termination made the future Hall of Famer ring-worthy – than with not getting a ring.

“I think it makes the Mets look ugly,” Henderson said. “It makes them look cheap, very cheap. That showed me no character.”

Henderson said he thought he exited the Mets’ organization with class. He said he did not anticipate getting a ring, but was shocked to be slammed by Phillips. “Did I dog the organization?” he asked. “Did I dog Phillips? Did I dog Bobby [Valentine]? No,” he said.

Henderson laughed when told Garth Brooks, who joined the Mets in spring training, was given a ring.

“Garth Brooks,” he said. “I think a couple of concession stand guys got rings, too, didn’t they?”