by Tucker Terranova
Rickey Henderson, widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players in history, has passed away at the age of 65.
The Athletics confirmed his death on Saturday, releasing a statement that read, “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 and made an indelible mark on generations of A’s fans over his 14 seasons wearing the Green and Gold.”
A true titan of the sport, Rickey Henderson’s career stands as a testament to excellence. Spanning 25 remarkable seasons from 1979 to 2003, he played for nine different franchises, capturing two World Series titles, 10 All-Star selections, three Silver Sluggers, a Gold Glove, and leading the league in stolen bases 12 times. In 1990, he was named the American League MVP after a dominant season highlighted by a 9.9 WAR.
Most notably, Henderson holds the all-time stolen base record with 1,406 steals — a feat that may never be surpassed. His unique blend of speed, baseball IQ, and leadership made him an unforgettable figure in the sport’s history. Additionally, he holds the record for most career runs scored, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest players.
In a 2009 interview with MLB.com, Henderson reflected on his impact on the game, saying, “My impact on the game was going out there and making things happen. To me, the most important thing was stirring things up and scoring runs so we could win a ballgame.”
On the field, Henderson was unmatched. His unparalleled skill as a base-stealer and all-around player was only matched by his larger-than-life personality off the field.
Known for his unshakable self-confidence and habit of referring to himself in the third person, Henderson’s charismatic presence made him one of the most marketable and beloved figures in baseball. His swagger and sense of humor resonated with fans and players alike, contributing to his status as not only one of the game’s greats, but also a cultural icon.
The Athletics also shared, “For those who knew him personally, Rickey was much more than a franchise icon and a Baseball Hall of Famer. He was a friend and mentor to every player, coach, and employee who passed through the Oakland Coliseum or played a game on the field that came to bear his name.”
Henderson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009 on his first attempt, receiving 94.8% of the vote. His passing adds to a somber list of baseball legends lost this year, including Orlando Cepeda, Whitey Herzog, Willie Mays, Pete Rose, Luis Tiant, and Fernando Valenzuela.
We send our condolences to the Henderson family during this difficult time.
