Rickey Henderson is a legendary Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball’s all-time stolen base leader. According to an announcement by MLB on Saturday, he has passed away at 65.
His death marks the end of an era for baseball fans who revered Henderson for his unmatched combination of speed, power, and charisma.
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred praised Henderson in a heartfelt statement, calling him “the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting.”
Manfred speaks on Henderson’s enduring legacy, noting, “Rickey epitomized speed, power, and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup.” He also revealed that when MLB considered new rule changes in recent years, Henderson’s groundbreaking style of play served as a model.
Henderson, who would have turned 66 on Christmas Day, is survived by his wife, Pamela, who described him as “a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul.”
In a statement released through the Oakland Athletics, Pamela extended gratitude to MLB, the Athletics organization, and the UCSF medical team for their care and compassion.
Rickey Henderson: A Career That Redefined Baseball
Born in Chicago and affectionately dubbed the “Man of Steal,” Henderson was a transformative force in baseball. Across a remarkable 25-year career, he rewrote the record books with 1,406 stolen bases and 2,295 career runs.
Both of these records still stand as Major League records. His resume includes 2,055 hits, 297 home runs, and 1,115 RBIs. He will forever have his place among the greatest players in baseball history.
Henderson’s accolades are staggering: a 10-time All-Star, 1990 American League MVP, and two-time World Series champion. He spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Athletics, donning their jersey for 14 seasons over four separate stints, but also left his mark on teams like the Yankees, Padres, and Blue Jays.
In 2009, Rickey Henderson received baseball’s ultimate honor, being inducted into the Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection. Just days later, the A’s retired his iconic No. 24 jersey.
While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, Henderson’s impact on the game and his role as a trailblazer for future generations will always be there.
