Rickey Henderson, widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter of all time and MLB's greatest base stealer, has passed away at the age of 65. Henderson, a 10-time All-Star, spent the majority of his illustrious 14-year career with the Oakland Athletics.
Henderson, who would have turned 66 on Christmas Day, reportedly succumbed to pneumonia. He holds the title of the all-time leader in runs scored and was named the American League MVP in 1990 after an outstanding season.
Throughout his career, Henderson played for several teams including the Yankees, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels, and Dodgers. His impact on the game was profound, earning him respect and admiration from fans across generations.
His wife, Pamela, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, describing him as a devoted family man and a humble soul who lived his life with integrity.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to Henderson, highlighting his exceptional skills in base stealing and leadoff hitting. Henderson's legacy as a player who epitomized speed, power, and entertainment will forever be remembered in the baseball world.
Henderson's career was marked by numerous achievements, including winning two World Series titles and setting records for stolen bases, runs scored, and hits. His 130 stolen bases in 1982 remain a record in the live-ball era.
On May 1, 1991, Henderson became the MLB's all-time stolen bases leader, surpassing Lou Brock by a significant margin. His impact on the game extended beyond statistics, as he left an indelible mark on fans and players alike.
After debuting in 1979, Henderson retired in 2003 with an impressive 111.1 WAR accumulated over his 25 MLB seasons. His contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come, solidifying his place as a baseball legend.
