MLB legend and two-time World Series champion Rickey Henderson has tragically passed away at the age of 65 following a battle with pneumonia, The Post reported Saturday.
Henderson, celebrated as the all-time stolen-base king and Hall of Famer, was receiving treatment at an Oakland hospital before his death on Friday, December 20.
“A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul,” his wife, Pamela Henderson, said of her late husband in a statement released on Saturday (December 21).
“Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to Henderson’s exceptional career and legacy.
“For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting,” Manfred said in a statement. “Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all time.”
Manfred also praised Henderson’s impact beyond the Oakland Athletics, saying he “made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. Rickey epitomized speed, power, and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup.”
The Oakland native was drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 MLB Draft by the A’s, whom he eventually played for on four separate occasions.
After a stint with the New York Yankees, Henderson played a pivotal role in helping Oakland secure its first World Series title in 25 years during the 1989 season. Four years later, he added another championship ring to his collection with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Hall of Famer’s remarkable journey through the MLB also included stints with the Anaheim Angels (now the LA Angels), Seattle Mariners, and Boston Red Sox, as well as two separate runs with the San Diego Padres. He ultimately concluded his illustrious career as a member of the LA Dodgers.
Over his extraordinary 24-year career, Rickey Henderson achieved a feat few could match: three seasons with at least 20 home runs and 65 stolen bases. To put that into perspective, the other 23,369 players in MLB history combined have just four.
A 10-time All-Star, Henderson recorded more than 3,055 hits and 297 home runs with a .279 battling average. He also holds the all-time record for runs scored with 2,295.
Tributes poured in from fellow baseball legends, including Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs, who wrote, “Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest to ever play the game. You’ll be dearly missed, Brother. RIP Rickey.”
Dave Winfield, another Hall of Famer and one of Henderson’s former teammates shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of the two: “I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friends. Rest in peace.”
Rest in power, Rickey Henderson.
