Ten-time MLB All-Star outfielder Rickey Henderson has passed away at the age of 65, per multiple reports.
The Hall of Famer had an impressive 25-year playing career, including memorable stints with the Athletics and the Yankees.
Henderson starred on the Oakland team that won the World Series in 1989, and he also won the 1993 World Series after being acquired by Toronto. He was named the AL MVP in 1990 with the Athletics and later became a first ballot Hall of Famer, inducted in 2009.
The MLB record holder for career stolen bases (1,406), Henderson also still holds the records for career runs scored (2,295) and single-season stolen bases (130).
Statement from the Henderson Family:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with…
— Athletics (@Athletics) December 21, 2024
Commissioner Rob Manfred statement on Rickey Henderson pic.twitter.com/OeeDL51hWd
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 21, 2024
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
Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson one of the greatest to ever play the game you’ll be dearly missed Brother RIP Rickey 😢🙏
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) December 21, 2024
Rickey Henderson was an incredible man. A legend who was so much more approachable than his image would have you think. From playing cards in the clubhouse to picking his Hall of Fame mind about holding runners, Rickey would share his wealth of knowledge with ease. RIP Rickey. 💔
— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) December 21, 2024
Saddened by the passing of our friend, Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter in @MLB history! Was proud to induct him into our Hall of Game in 2015 along with Fergie Jenkins, Ozzie Smith and the late Luis Tiant. Condolences to his family, friends and legion of fans! pic.twitter.com/ZlVyjHwETY
— Bob Kendrick (@nlbmprez) 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
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
Rickey Henderson stats
Henderson was born on Christmas Day in 1958 in Chicago. He was a fourth-round draft pick in the 1976 MLB Draft by Oakland, making it to the big leagues just three years later.
Henderson spent time with the Athletics, Yankees, Blue Jays, Padres, Angels, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox and Dodgers. The speedster had four different stints with the Athletics — and he was on hand to throw out the first pitch, alongside Dave Stewart, in the final game for the franchise in Oakland last season.
| Games | Average | Hits | Home Runs | RBI | Runs | Stolen Bases | Caught Stealing | |
| 25-Year Career | 3,081 | .279 | 3,055 | 297 | 1,115 | 2,295 | 1,406 | 335 |
Rickey Henderson nickname
Henderson had one of the best nicknames in MLB history. He was known as the Man of Steal, a clever pun on Superman’s moniker as the Man of Steel infused with Henderson’s propensity for stolen bases.
Rickey Henderson records
Henderson is known for his stolen bases, holding the records for career stolen bases (1,406) as well as stolen bases in a single season (130). He finished as the AL stolen base leader 12 times in his career.
Those aren’t the only records that he holds. Henderson has also been caught stealing more times than anyone else in history (335) and in a single season (42). He also has the most games with a lead off home run (81), most unintentional walks (2,129) and most consecutive seasons with at least one home run (25).
