Hall of Famer Ricky Henderson dies age 65

By Lachlan Wellington December 30, 2024 06:22

Photo by IMAGN IMAGES / VIA REUTERS

Hall of Famer and all-time stolen base record holder, Rickey Henderson, has died at age 65, as confirmed on Saturday December 21.

Henderson died Friday December 20th in Oakland, California after battling pneumonia, as reported by TMZ.

“A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle and a truly humble soul”, said Henderson’s wife Pamela in a statement with his daughters, according to CBS.

In a 25-year-long career, Henderson stole 1,406 bases and was selected to 10 All-Star teams.

Nicknamed, the “man of steal” for the number of bases he stole, Henderson was the stolen base leader in the American League 12 times.

Henderson’s record of 1,406 stolen bases was an astonishing 468 more than the former record holder at the time, St Louis Cardinals star Lou Brock who stole 938 times during his career. The man of steal also has the record for the most steals in a season with 130 in 1982.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed Henderson’s death in a statement where he called him “the gold standard of of base stealing and leadoff hitting”.

Henderson began his career back in 1986 when he was drafted by his hometown team, the Oakland Athletics, in the fourth round as the 96th overall pick.

Then In 1979, Henderson made his major league debut, playing 89 games in the season for the A’s.

Henderson spent six seasons in Oakland before heading to New York to play for the Yankees where he spent his next five seasons in the league.

It wasn’t until he returned to his home team that he won his first World Series in 1989, before winning his second with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1991 which split a seven year stint with the A’s.

For the final ten years of his career, Henderson bounced around a lot spending time with the Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Dodgers and the now defunct Anaheim Angels.

In his career, Henderson averaged .279, hitting 297 home runs, 1115 RBIs with an OPS of .892. Additionally, the man of steal had 3,055 career hits and 2,295 runs.

His success was not just limited to the teams he played for as individually Henderson was voted the American League Most Valuable Player in 1990, the ALCS MVP (1989), he won a gold glove award (1981) along with three silver slugger awards in 1981, 1985 and 1990.

Henderson also stepped up when it mattered most with a great playoff record. Across eight career playoff seasons, Henderson averaged .284 with 47 runs, 63 hits including five home runs, 20 RBIs and a stunning 37 walks and of course 33 stolen bases.

Many former players have pitched in with tributes to Henderson. Hall of Fame outfielder, Dave Winfield, said “I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friends Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.”

“Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as a teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for his souls and family.” said Mike Piazza- Hall of Fame catcher.

Due to his incredible legacy, Henderson was named to the Athletics Hall of Fame as one of the seven original members after Oakland first introduced it for the team back in 2018.

For his playing career, Henderson will go down as one of their best ever players perhaps even their best ever. His legacy will live on but MLB and the Athletics will mourn his loss for some time as there will never be a player like him again. Thoughts and prayers to his family and may he rest in peace.