Rickey Henderson, Baseball’s Stolen Base King, Dies at 65

Legendary Outfielder and Leadoff Hitter Passes Away

OAKLAND, Calif. — Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, the brash speedster who shattered stolen base records and redefined baseball’s leadoff position, has died. He was 65.

Remembered by Teammates and Critics Alike

Known as baseball’s “Man of Steal,” Henderson had a lengthy list of accolades and accomplishments over his nomadic 25-year career — an MVP, 10 All-Star selections, two World Series titles, and a Gold Glove award.

“Rickey was simply the best player I ever played with. He could change the outcome of a game in so many ways,” said Don Mattingly, Henderson’s teammate with the New York Yankees from 1985-89. “It puts a smile on my face just thinking about him. I will miss my friend.”

A Career of Stealing Bases

It was stealing bases where Henderson made his name and dominated the sport like no other.

He broke through with 100 steals in his first full season in the majors in 1980, topping Ty Cobb’s AL single-season record with Billy Martin’s “Billy Ball” Oakland Athletics. He barely slowed playing for nine franchises over the next two decades. He broke Lou Brock’s single-season record of 118 by stealing 130 bases in 1982 and led the league in steals for seven straight seasons and 12 overall.

Henderson surpassed Brock’s career record when he stole his 939th base on May 1, 1991, for Oakland, and famously pulled third base out of the ground and showed it off to the adoring crowd before giving a speech that he capped by saying: “Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today I am the greatest of all time.”

Accolades and Legacy

Henderson finished his career with 1,406 steals. His 468-steal edge over Brock matches the margin between Brock and Jimmy Rollins, who is in 46th place with 470.

“He’s the greatest leadoff hitter of all time, and I’m not sure there’s a close second,” former A’s executive Billy Beane said of Henderson.

A Controversial Figure

Henderson was known for his fiery personality and controversy surrounding his playing days. He was suspended for 51 games in 1990 for a confrontation with a teammate, and he was traded from the Yankees to the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993 after a dispute with manager Butch Wynegar.

Personal Life

Henderson was born on Christmas Day in 1958 in Chicago in the back of his parents’ Chevy. He grew up in Oakland and developed into a star athlete, playing baseball, basketball, and football at Oakland Tech High School.

He was selected in the fourth round of the 1976 amateur draft by the hometown A’s and made his big league debut in 1979 with two hits — and, of course, one stolen base.

Conclusion

Rickey Henderson’s passing leaves a void in the baseball world, but his legacy will continue to be celebrated for generations to come. His remarkable achievements on the field, coupled with his larger-than-life personality, have cemented his place as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

FAQs

Q: What was Rickey Henderson’s most notable achievement in baseball?

A: Stealing 1,406 bases, a record that still stands today.

Q: What team did Rickey Henderson play for the most?

A: The Oakland Athletics, with whom he played from 1979-1984 and 1989-1995.

Q: Who did Rickey Henderson surpass in stealing bases?

A: Lou Brock, the former St. Louis Cardinals star, in 1991.