OAKLAND, Calif. — Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, widely recognized for his extraordinary speed and unprecedented accomplishments in the sport, has passed away at the age of 65. News of Henderson’s death came on a Friday, with the Oakland Athletics expressing their devastation over the loss while refraining from disclosing specific details about the cause of his demise.
Affectionately referred to as baseball’s “Man of Steal,” Henderson’s illustrious career spanned 25 years and was adorned with several exceptional achievements, including an MVP award, 10 All-Star selections, two World Series championships, and a Gold Glove award. Don Mattingly, who played alongside Henderson on the New York Yankees from 1985 to 1989, noted, “Rickey was simply the best player I ever played with. He could change the outcome of a game in so many ways.” Mattingly fondly reminisced about his friend and teammate.
Henderson’s legacy is deeply rooted in his historic ability to steal bases, a skill that transformed the game. He made headlines in his inaugural full MLB season in 1980 by stealing 100 bases, breaking Ty Cobb’s American League single-season record while playing under Billy Martin’s leadership with the Oakland Athletics. His prowess on the base paths did not wane as he played for a multitude of teams over the next two decades. In 1982, he eclipsed Lou Brock’s record of 118 steals by swiping an impressive 130 bags and led the league in steals for seven consecutive seasons, totaling 12 for his career.
On May 1, 1991, Henderson set a new milestone by stealing his 939th base, surpassing Brock’s career record. That evening remains memorable, as he famously showcased the extracted third base to an enthusiastic crowd, proclaiming, “Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today I am the greatest of all time.” He concluded his career with a staggering total of 1,406 stolen bases, far exceeding Brock’s record by a significant margin.
“He’s the greatest leadoff hitter of all time, and I’m not sure there’s a close second,” remarked former A’s executive Billy Beane regarding Henderson’s unique talents. In a recent statement, Henderson expressed confidence that he could have achieved even more throughout his career, especially in his record-setting 1982 season, had the new rules introduced in 2023 (limiting pickoff attempts and enlarging base sizes) been in place during his active years.
He stated, “If I was playing today, I would get 162, right now, without a doubt.” Henderson asserted that his remarkable skills would have allowed him to thrive under contemporary conditions, highlighting his belief that he could lead in steals even 20 years after retirement.
The magnitude of Henderson’s achievements was partially overshadowed on that historical date, as Nolan Ryan recorded his seventh no-hitter. Henderson humorously noted that being struck out by Ryan made one feel relevant, although it was clear he was far from a nobody in the sport.
In addition to leading in stolen bases, Henderson holds several records, including career runs scored (2,295) and leadoff home runs (81). He ranks high in walks and was notable for playing in over 3,000 games, amassing a total of 3,055 hits throughout his extensive career with various MLB teams, including the Athletics, Yankees, and others. He wrapped up his career at the age of 44 as a member of the Dodgers in 2003, notably scoring a run during his final appearance.
Henderson’s passing marks the loss of another legendary figure tied to the Bay Area, following the recent deaths of former Giants greats Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda. Uniquely, Henderson was a right-handed batter who threw left-handed, further solidifying his individuality in the game.
Born on Christmas Day in 1958, Henderson was raised in Oakland, where his athletic skills shined across multiple sports. He excelled in baseball, basketball, and football at Oakland Tech High School, attracting significant attention as a football recruit. Ultimately, his mother steered him toward baseball, believing it to be a safer career path. Reflecting on this decision in a previous interview, Henderson acknowledged his mother’s wisdom, noting the longevity and success he enjoyed in baseball compared to his peers in football.
Selected in the fourth round of the 1976 amateur draft, Henderson debuted in the majors in 1979, making an immediate impact with two hits and a stolen base. He quickly became an integral player for the Athletics and later enjoyed success with the Yankees, helping to form some talented teams that sought postseason glory. Henderson’s return to Oakland in 1989 marked the beginning of his most successful period, as he played a pivotal role in leading the A’s to a World Series victory.
His storied career continued until he was traded to Toronto, where he added another World Series title to his resume. Even into his late 30s, Henderson displayed remarkable production, leading the league in both steals and walks at age 39. In 2017, the Athletics honored him by naming their playing surface “Rickey Henderson Field.”
Reflecting on Henderson’s impact, former Yankees teammate Ron Guidry remarked, “When you’re old and grey, sitting around with your buds talking about your career in baseball, you are going to talk about Rickey. He was just amazing to watch.” Henderson’s diverse skill set and vibrant personality made him one of the game’s most unforgettable players.
