Rickey Henderson, MLB’s greatest base stealer and leadoff hitter, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his speed and power on the field, Henderson was a 10-time All-Star who spent the majority of his 25-year career with the Oakland Athletics. Henderson, who would have turned 66 on Christmas Day, reportedly passed away after battling pneumonia. He was also the all-time leader in runs scored and was named the American League MVP in 1990.
Throughout his career, Henderson also played for the Yankees, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels, and Dodgers. His wife, Pamela, confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as a devoted family man and a humble soul who lived his life with integrity. Henderson’s impact on the game of baseball was significant, and his legacy as a player will always be remembered. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Henderson for his speed, power, and entertainment on the field, noting that he was a beloved figure in the baseball community.
Henderson won two World Series titles during his career, one with the A’s in 1989 and another with Toronto in 1993. He became MLB’s all-time stolen bases leader in 1991, surpassing Lou Brock by nearly 500 bags. Henderson retired with 1,406 stolen bases, 2,295 runs scored, and 3,055 hits, ranking him among the all-time greats in baseball history. Notably, his 130 stolen bases in 1982 are the most in the live ball era, and he is one of only two players since 1920 to have three seasons with at least 100 stolen bases.
Debuting in 1979 and retiring in 2003, Henderson accumulated a career WAR of 111.1 in his 25 seasons in the MLB. His impact on the game and his ability to set the tone at the top of the lineup were unmatched, making him a legend in the sport. Fans and players alike respected and admired Henderson for his accomplishments and his love for the game. His contributions to baseball will be remembered for generations to come, and his loss will be felt by all who knew and loved him.
