Rickey Henderson, MLB Legend and Hall of Famer, Passes Away at 65
Rickey Henderson, the legendary baseball player and all-time leader in stolen bases, has passed away at the age of 65. The news of his death was confirmed by MLB on December 21, 2024. Henderson, known for his electrifying speed and unique personality, left an indelible mark on the sport of baseball throughout his 25-year career. Reports indicate that he died from complications related to pneumonia in the Oakland, California area, just days before his 66th birthday.
Henderson’s legacy is one of greatness. He holds the record for the most stolen bases in MLB history with an astonishing 1,406 steals. Throughout his career, he earned 10 All-Star selections and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009, receiving 94.8% of the votes. His career statistics also included 297 home runs, a .279 batting average, and an impressive .401 on-base percentage, cementing his status as one of the most complete players of his generation.
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Rickey was more than just a base-stealer; he was an innovative leadoff hitter, setting the tone for many of his teams. His dynamic playstyle earned him admiration from fans and players alike. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged Henderson’s impact, saying he epitomized speed, power, and entertainment, which made him a game-changer and a beloved figure in the sport.
Born in Chicago, Henderson was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1976, and it was with the A’s where he became a household name. His early years with Oakland were marked by records, including his 130 steals in 1982, which broke Lou Brock's single-season record. Over his career, Henderson played for several teams, including stints with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and others, but he was perhaps most closely associated with the A’s, where he was part of three World Series teams, including the 1989 championship squad.
Henderson’s personality on the field was as unique as his play. Famous for referring to himself in the third person, he once boldly proclaimed, "Nothing is impossible for Rickey." He brought flair to the game, often celebrating stolen bases with a style all his own. His time with the Yankees, including a brief reunion with his former A’s manager Billy Martin, left an imprint, though the team never reached the playoffs during his tenure. Henderson’s legendary status, however, only grew as he continued to break records, like when he stole his 939th base in 1991 to surpass Brock’s all-time career record.
As news of Henderson’s passing spread, former teammates and managers remembered him fondly. Don Mattingly, his teammate with the Yankees, called him “simply the best player I ever played with,” while Bobby Valentine, his Mets manager, acknowledged that even in the twilight of his career, Henderson’s skills were still far above those of many others.
Rickey Henderson’s passing marks the end of an era in baseball. His achievements and larger-than-life personality made him a beloved figure not only in Oakland but across Major League Baseball. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of players to be fearless on the field and to play with a passion that defined Henderson’s career.
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