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From ESPN: Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter and base-stealer in Major League Baseball history whose blazing speed, discerning eye and unusual home run power complemented an irrepressible swagger that led him from the sandlots of Oakland to the Baseball Hall of Fame, died Friday. He was 65.
The Henderson family released a statement Saturday evening confirming the Hall of Famer’s death.
“A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul,” the statement from his wife Pamela and his three daughters read. “Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt memories from family, friends, and fans — all of which have brought immense comfort. We also extend our sincere gratitude to MLB, the Oakland A’s, and the incredible doctors and nurses at UCSF who cared for Rickey with dedication and compassion. Your prayers and kindness mean more than words can express.
In this difficult time, we kindly ask for your respect and privacy as we adjust to life without Rickey, holding on to the legacy he left for all of us.”
Major League Baseball released the following statement in tribute to Henderson:
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.
Across a 25-year career, Henderson was a 10-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner, 2-time World Series champion and the 1990 American League MVP.
Nicknamed the “Man of Steal,” Henderson owns the record for most career stolen bases (1,406) as well as the Modern Era (post-1900) record for most steals in a single season, with 130 in 1982. He led the American League in stolen bases in 12 separate seasons, and was MLB’s overall steals leader in six of those years.
14 of Henderson’s 25 seasons were spent with the Athletics. He also played for the Yankees, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels and Dodgers.
Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. He was 65 years old.
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.
Across a 25-year career, Henderson was a 10-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner, 2-time World Series champion and the 1990 American League MVP.
Nicknamed the “Man of Steal,” Henderson… pic.twitter.com/gOjtSbFkCz
— MLB (@MLB) December 21, 2024
Fox Sports posted a list of Henderson’s key achievements:
▫️10x All-Star
▫️2x World Series Champion
▫️All-Time Stolen Base Leader
▫️All-Time Runs Scored Leader
▫️1990 AL MVP
▫️3x Silver Slugger
▫️First Ballot Hall of Famer
RIP Rickey Henderson 🙏
▫️10x All-Star
▫️2x World Series Champion
▫️All-Time Stolen Base Leader
▫️All-Time Runs Scored Leader
▫️1990 AL MVP
▫️3x Silver Slugger
▫️First Ballot Hall of Famer pic.twitter.com/CkhCrVj9sl— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 21, 2024
Social media is being flooded with tributes for Henderson:
The New York Yankees released the following statement:
Rickey Henderson was an all-time great player who commanded our attention like few players before or since, transcending our traditional understanding of how elite and thrilling a single player could be in in the batter’s box and on the basepaths.
When he stepped across the white lines, he was magnetic. Opponents, teammates and fans simply couldn’t take their eyes off him. Though he spent just four and a half seasons in pinstripes, Rickey left an indelible mark on our record book, and he entertained us not only with his baseball talent, but with a no-nonsense personality and knack for showmanship that were ahead of its time. We will deeply miss Rickey for everything he brought to the game, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pamela, daughters Angela, Adrianna, and Alexis, and all his family and friends.
Statement from the New York Yankees:
Rickey Henderson was an all-time great player who commanded our attention like few players before or since, transcending our traditional understanding of how elite and thrilling a single player could be in in the batter’s box and on the… pic.twitter.com/qeduKLmoUO
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) December 21, 2024
There has never been a more dynamic baseball player, an almost impossible combination of speed, power, and flair. Rest in peace, Rickey Henderson. You most certainly were the greatest of all time. pic.twitter.com/P2uUIWPgcx
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 21, 2024
Every kid in America copied this pose on first base. Rickey Henderson was built like a tank and could run like an Olympic sprinter. RIP legend. pic.twitter.com/qjpx9gxBQh
— Daniel Bennett (@DanielBennettNY) December 21, 2024
The Toronto Blue Jays wrote, “We join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson. His impact on the game, in the community, and on our organization will be remembered forever. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time 💙.”
We join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson.
His impact on the game, in the community, and on our organization will be remembered forever.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time 💙 pic.twitter.com/tFd1K3oDgv
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) December 21, 2024
When Rickey Henderson became the all-time stolen bases leader.
RIP. 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/sZgdASZb56
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 21, 2024
Rest in Peace, Rickey Henderson
One of the best to ever play the game pic.twitter.com/NfrEGDts30
— JohnRocker (@itsJohnRocker) December 21, 2024
Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as 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 soul and family..#MLB #HOF pic.twitter.com/nL7tJeDIrE
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) December 21, 2024
I’m heartbroken and devastated.
Rickey Henderson was an incredibly talented player but an even better human.
I’ll never forget all the incredible memories we created together. Memories I’ll never forget.
Rest easy my friend pic.twitter.com/pBcJjSP6fz
— Jose Canseco (@JoseCanseco) December 22, 2024
The last photo that I made of the late great Rickey Henderson was him leaving the Oakland Coliseum after the final game. Rest in Peace Rickey! pic.twitter.com/1Wsp0KzgzG
— Scott Strazzante (@ScottStrazzante) December 21, 2024
The Raiders Family mourns the passing of Rickey Henderson. pic.twitter.com/cbrNd1RgBN
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 21, 2024
MLB Hall-of-Famer #RickeyHenderson has passed. He’s a 3000 hit club member, 10x All-Star, 2x World Series champ, 1990 AL MVP, career leader in stolen bases and runs in MLB history. Played for the Athletics, Red Sox, Yankees, Blue Jays, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Angels & Dodgers. pic.twitter.com/6UOOcHr3lT
— Ken Murray (@murraymaker) December 21, 2024
Rickey Henderson caught the ceremonial first pitch from his daughter on his bobblehead night! 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Wv80UCknA3
— MLB (@MLB) September 21, 2024
Oh no.😔
Rickey Henderson, gone so soon.
Only 65 years old.😢May you steal bases in eternal peace. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/HR0LO1MKZI
— Paul Geren (@KeysRetired) December 21, 2024
Rickey Henderson, a Baseball Hall of Famer and MLB’s all-time leader in stolen bases, has died at 65, according to a statement from his family. pic.twitter.com/pyBJdNllRV
— ESPN (@espn) December 21, 2024
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