Baseball Icon Rickey Henderson Dies at 65

Rickey Henderson, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, has passed away at the age of 65. Known as “The Man of Steal,” Henderson set enduring records for stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295) during a career that spanned from 1979 to 2003.

A two-time World Series champion, Henderson played pivotal roles in the Oakland Athletics’ 1989 victory and the Toronto Blue Jays’ 1993 triumph. His career accolades include 10 All-Star selections and the 1990 American League Most Valuable Player award. Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

“Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and lead-off hitting,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “He epitomized speed, power, and entertainment, setting the tone at the top of the lineup for multiple generations of baseball fans.”

In addition to his stolen base and runs records, Henderson’s remarkable career included a .297 batting average, 297 home runs, and 1,115 RBIs. He also holds the record for the most lead-off home runs in MLB history, with 81.

Henderson played for nine teams during his illustrious career, but he is most closely associated with the Oakland Athletics, where he had four separate stints. The Athletics issued a heartfelt statement, saying, “Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and his records will forever stand atop baseball history. He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history.”

Fans and players alike are mourning the loss of Henderson, whose electrifying style of play revolutionized baseball and left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy as a dynamic force both on and off the field will continue to inspire generations of athletes and fans.