Baseball lost an icon on Friday as Rickey Henderson, the all-time stolen base king and Hall of Famer, passed away at 65. His family confirmed on Saturday that he died from complications of pneumonia after being hospitalized earlier in the week.
Rickey Henderson: A Trailblazer on the Diamond
Henderson’s career spanned an incredible 25 seasons across four decades, beginning with his MLB debut in 1979 and concluding in 2003. Known for his blazing speed and unique charisma, he stole a record 1,406 bases, a mark that remains unchallenged. Henderson also leads the league in career runs scored with 2,295.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reflected on Henderson’s legacy, stating, “For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. He epitomized speed, power, and entertainment.”
Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1976, Henderson became synonymous with the franchise. He played four separate stints with the A’s and was honored with the renaming of their home field to “Rickey Henderson Field” in 2017. Henderson also achieved his 3,000th career hit while playing for the San Diego Padres in 2001.
Remembering Henderson Off the Field
In addition to his on-field achievements, Henderson was remembered as a family man. His wife, Pamela Henderson, shared a heartfelt statement: “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 integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount.”
Henderson’s storied career included two World Series titles—one with the Oakland A’s in 1989 and another with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993. In 1990, he earned the American League MVP award, solidifying his place among baseball’s elite.
Henderson’s larger-than-life persona and third-person self-references endeared him to fans. Reflecting on his career in 2009 during his Hall of Fame induction, Henderson humbly said, “My journey as a player is complete. I am now in the class of the greatest players of all time.”
Rickey Henderson’s impact on baseball will endure for generations, as fans and players alike continue to marvel at his unmatched combination of speed, skill, and swagger.