Rickey Henderson, Oakland A's great and hall-of-famer, dead at 65
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 15: Former Oakland Athletics Rickey Henderson before their MLB game against the St. Louis Cardinals at the Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Im
OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland Athletics’ legend, MLB Hall-of-Famer and one of the greatest players in baseball history, Rickey Henderson died on Friday at the age of 65.
His death was confirmed by MLB on FOX's ‘X’ account.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson," a statement from his wife, Pamela Henderson, said. "A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul."
His family did not share the cause of death, although other media reports said he died of pneumonia. He would have turned 66 on Christmas Day.
The Athletics said they are shocked and heartbroken by his passing, saying the loss would not only be felt by A's fans but by baseball fans around the world.
"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," the Athletics said.
The MLB also shared their thoughts over Henderson's death, saying they are devastated to hear the news.
According to the MLB, Henderson had a 25-year career with the association, a 10-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and 2-time World Series champion.
Henderson is the third prominent baseball Hall of Famer with ties to the Bay Area who died this year, following the deaths in June of former Giants stars Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda.
Born Rickey Nelson Henley Henderson, he was nicknamed "Man of Steal." Henderson played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four separate stints with the A’s.
His primary position was left fielder. Henderson led the American League in steals 12 times and went on to be the all-time record holder with 1,406, earning him his moniker.
Henderson also holds the MLB records for career stolen bases, runs, unintentional walks, and leadoff home runs.
And that isn't the only record he holds. 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.
The Oakland native won the 1990 American League MVP and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2009.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on Dec. 25, 1958. Henderson spent most of his childhood in Oakland, graduating from Oakland Tech. He was a talented running back in high school, but he turned down multiple scholarships to sign with the Oakland A’s in 1976.
On the A's last day in Oakland, Henderson was in attendance.
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Dave Stewart (left), Detra Paige, and Rickey Henderson pose for a photo before an MLB game between the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics on September 26, 2024, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA. (Phot
After retiring from baseball in 2007, he 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.
Portrait of Rickey Henderson, outfielder for the Oakland A's.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.