Baseball has lost an icon as Rickey Henderson, famously nicknamed the “Man of Steal” for his unmatched base-stealing prowess, passed away on Friday, Dec. 20, at the age of 65.
The news was first reported by TMZ, which cited sources close to the situation. According to their report, Henderson passed in Oakland after battling pneumonia. While an official medical report has yet to confirm the exact cause of death, it is believed that complications from the respiratory infection led to his untimely passing. He had been receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Henderson’s career was nothing short of legendary, earning him recognition as one of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball history. Known for his record-breaking talent and dynamic playing style, he left an indelible mark on the sport.
His stolen base record of 1,406 remains unmatched to this day — no other player has even surpassed the 1,000 mark. Over a stellar 25-season career from 1979 to 2003, Henderson played for nine different teams, including the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He spent much of his career with the Oakland A’s, where he first rose to prominence.
Teams across the league paid heartfelt tributes to the Hall of Famer. The Los Angeles Dodgers released a statement saying, “The Dodgers mourn the passing of Rickey Henderson, legend and Hall of Famer. We were privileged to have been part of his extraordinary journey and extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
The Yankees also remembered him fondly, stating, “Rickey Henderson was an all-time great who redefined how thrilling and impactful a single player could be on the basepaths and at the plate.”
Beyond his stolen base record, Henderson accumulated an impressive array of achievements: 3,055 hits, 297 home runs, a .279 batting average, and an all-time record of 2,295 runs scored. He was a 10-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Tributes from former teammates and fans flooded in, reflecting on the remarkable legacy Henderson leaves behind. Dave Winfield, a former teammate, shared his grief on Instagram, posting, “I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friends. Rest in peace, Rickey.”
Jose Canseco, another former teammate, expressed his devastation, saying, “Heartbroken and devastated. Rickey, you were one of a kind. Rest easy, my friend.”
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, honored Henderson’s contributions to the sport, calling him “the greatest leadoff hitter in MLB history.”
Fans also took to social media to share their memories and admiration. One fan remarked, “There’s cool, and then there’s Rickey Henderson cool. No athlete, past or present, comes close to his swagger.”
Henderson is survived by his wife, Pamela, and their daughters Angela, Adrianna, and Alexis. Pamela described him as a “humble soul” and said, “Rickey lived his life with integrity and a profound love for baseball. Now, he rests in peace, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that will inspire generations.”
As a player who revolutionized the game, Rickey Henderson’s memory will endure, not only as a record-breaking athlete but as a symbol of passion and excellence in the world of baseball.