Baseball legend Rickey Henderson, widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter in history and Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in stolen bases, leadoff home runs, and runs scored, has passed away at 65.
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner, shared his condolences, stating, “For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey’s impact on the game is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to influence the sport. He was an icon, and his contributions transcended teams and eras, epitomizing speed, power, and entertainment at the top of the lineup.”
Henderson’s wife, Pamela, expressed heartfelt sadness, remembering her husband not only as a baseball legend but as a devoted family man who lived with integrity and a deep love for the game. “Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord,” she said.
Over his 25-year career, Henderson played for nine MLB teams, accumulating countless accolades including the 1990 AL MVP, 10 All-Star selections, two World Series championships, three Silver Slugger Awards, and a Gold Glove. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, he received 94.8% of the vote in his first year of eligibility.
The Oakland Athletics, the team where Henderson spent the majority of his career, expressed their sorrow, calling him “the most legendary player in Oakland history” and emphasizing how his presence and mentorship impacted countless players and fans. They mourned his loss alongside the entire baseball community.
Henderson’s incredible career stats include a .279 batting average, 3,055 hits, and 1,115 RBIs. His 1,406 stolen bases—467 more than Lou Brock’s previous record—remain unparalleled, and his 2,295 career runs scored are among the highest in history. He also holds top rankings in games played, plate appearances, walks, leadoff home runs, and unintentional walks.
Born in Chicago on Christmas Day 1958, Henderson moved to Oakland at age 7, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. Though football was his first love, he chose baseball and was drafted by the A’s in 1976.
Henderson’s 14 seasons with the A’s were marked by legendary moments, including setting a single-season record with 130 stolen bases in 1982. He was traded to the Yankees, returned to the A’s for a World Series win, and continued to excel through multiple teams, including stints with Toronto, San Diego, and the Mets, before returning to the A’s for his final seasons.
His final years in baseball included stints with independent leagues, where he continued to prove his skill before retiring at age 46. Even after his playing days, Henderson remained a fixture in the A’s organization, serving as a special assistant and staying involved with the team. In 2017, the A’s honored him by renaming the Coliseum playing field “Rickey Henderson Field.”
Henderson remains the all-time leader for the A’s in bWAR, runs, walks, and stolen bases. His legacy as the greatest leadoff hitter in history is etched in baseball history, with many in the game, including former A’s GM Billy Beane, acknowledging there may never be a close second to his unique talent and influence.
