Rickey Henderson, Oakland A’s Great and Hall-of-Famer, Dead at 65
Legendary Career and Records
Rickey Henderson, nicknamed “Man of Steal,” was a baseball legend who played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four separate stints with the Oakland Athletics. He was born Rickey Nelson Henley Henderson on December 25, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, but spent most of his childhood in Oakland, graduating from Oakland Tech.
Henderson’s primary position was left fielder, and he led the American League in steals 12 times. He went on to become the all-time record holder with 1,406 stolen bases, earning him his moniker. He also holds the MLB records for career stolen bases, runs, unintentional walks, and leadoff home runs.
Awards and Accolades
Henderson won the 1990 American League MVP and was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. He was a talented running back in high school, but he turned down multiple scholarships to sign with the Oakland A’s in 1976.
Legacy and Tributes
Other baseball greats shared tributes to the “Man of Steal,” including fellow hall-of-famer Dave Winfield. Henderson’s death was confirmed by MLB on FOX’s ‘X’ account, and he was just days shy of turning 66 on Christmas Day.
During his first season with the MLB, he broke the American league stolen base record of 96 with 100 swipes. Previously, the record was held by Ty Cobb with the American League for 65 years.
Life After Baseball
After retiring from baseball in 2007, Henderson continued to be a major part of the franchise, greeting fans, stopping by the stadium on game days to meet with players, and staying close to the game he loved.
Conclusion
Rickey Henderson’s legacy will live on through his incredible achievements on the field and his dedication to the game. He will be deeply missed by the Oakland Athletics organization, his fans, and the entire baseball community.
FAQs
Q: What was Rickey Henderson’s nickname?
A: “Man of Steal”
Q: How many stolen bases did Rickey Henderson record in his career?
A: 1,406
Q: What year was Rickey Henderson elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame?
A: 2009
Q: What was Rickey Henderson’s primary position?
A: Left fielder
Q: What year did Rickey Henderson retire from baseball?
A: 2007
