MLB’s all-time stolen base leader Rickey Henderson dead at age 65
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Rickey Henderson, Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in stolen bases, has passed away at the age of 65, according to his family. The news of Henderson’s death was confirmed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, with a statement from the Henderson family expressing deep sorrow at the loss of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Known for his humility and love of baseball, Henderson’s legacy in the sport is cemented as one of the greatest players in history. The family described him as “a legend on and off the field” whose love for the game was paramount, and they expressed that he was now at peace with the Lord, surrounded by the memories of his extraordinary career.
Henderson’s illustrious 25-year MLB career spanned from 1979 to 2003, during which he played for nine teams, most notably the Oakland Athletics, where he made his biggest impact. As a player, Henderson set numerous records, including his legendary achievements of 1,406 stolen bases and 2,295 runs scored, both of which remain unparalleled in MLB history. He was known for being one of the best leadoff hitters the sport has ever seen, as well as being the greatest base stealer of all time, a distinction he earned by leading the American League in stolen bases 12 times.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred honored Henderson’s legacy in a statement, calling him “the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting,” a title that was well-deserved given Henderson’s skill and contributions to the game. “Rickey epitomized speed, power, and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup,” Manfred said. He also praised Henderson for his impact not only on the Athletics but on all the teams he played for over his remarkable career, which included stints with the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays.
Henderson’s career began when he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1976, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact. By 1980, in just his first full MLB season, Henderson stole 100 bases, breaking Ty Cobb’s long-standing AL record of 96. This achievement was only the beginning of his dominance on the base paths, as in 1982, he broke the single-season stolen base record with 130 steals, surpassing Lou Brock’s 118.
Henderson’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, former teammates, and sports figures. Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, who played alongside Henderson, expressed his disbelief at the loss, writing on Instagram, “I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.” Mike Piazza, a former teammate of Henderson’s with the New York Mets, remembered him as a “dream to hit behind” and a “nightmare for a catcher” due to his remarkable base-stealing abilities.
The Athletics, who considered Henderson the greatest player in their storied history, were equally devastated by his passing. They recalled his impact on the team and the fans, with the Coliseum, the team’s home stadium, renaming its field to “Rickey Henderson Field” in 2017 in honor of his legacy. In Oakland’s final home game at the Coliseum, Henderson and Dave Stewart threw out the ceremonial first pitch, marking the end of an era at the iconic stadium. Henderson’s legacy will continue to live on, not only in the MLB record books but also in the hearts of fans, coaches, and players he inspired throughout his career.
Henderson’s loss will be felt across the world of baseball, but his contributions to the game will forever remain. His records and impact on the sport are monumental, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Major League Baseball fans, especially those of the Oakland Athletics, will continue to honor Henderson’s memory, cherishing the legacy he leaves behind.
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