Rickey Henderson, Hall of Famer and MLB’s stolen base king who spent seven seasons playing for the Yankees and Mets, has died. He was 65.
Henderson passed away Friday after battling pneumonia, according to TMZ. The news of Henderson’s passing was broken by former teammate and Yankees legend Dave Winfield on social media.
“I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson,” Winfield wrote Saturday morning. “Rest in peace.”
The Henderson family also released a statement which was shared by the Athletics.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”
Statement from the Henderson Family:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with…
— Athletics (@Athletics) December 21, 2024
A member of the 2009 Hall of Fame class, Henderson holds MLB records for stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295). He was the MVP of the 1990 season when he slashed .325/.439/.577 while hitting 28 home runs, stealing 65 bases and scoring 119 runs.
Over his 25-year career, Henderson played for nine teams (Athletics, Yankees, Mets, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Mariners, Padres, Dodgers, Angels) and captured two World Series with the Athletics (1989) and Blue Jays (1993).
He finished his career with a .279 batting average, 3,055 hits and 297 home runs.
Born in Chicago, Henderson grew up in Oakland and made it his professional home after being drafted by the Athletics in the fourth round of the 1976 draft. He spent the first six years of his Hall of Fame career in the Bay Area, collecting five All-Star selections, a Gold Glove and two Silver Sluggers.
In total, Henderson spent 14 seasons with the Athletics but spent four and a half with the Yankees from 1985-89.
He slashed .288/.395/.455 with 78 home runs, 255 RBI and swiping 326 bags while with the Yankees. Henderson also earned four more All-Star selections and a Silver Slugger while playing in The Bronx.
“Rickey Henderson was an all-time great player who commanded our attention like few players before or since, transcending our traditional understanding of how elite and thrilling a single player could be in the batter’s box and on the basepaths,” the Yankees wrote in a statement. “When he stepped across the white lines, he was magnetic. Opponents, teammates and fans simply couldn’t take their eyes off him.
“Though he spent just four and a half seasons in pinstripes, Rickey left an indelible mark on our record book, and he entertained us not only with his baseball talent, but with a no-nonsense personality and knack for showmanship that were ahead of its time. We will deeply miss Rickey for everything he brought to the game, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Pamela, daughters Angela, Adrianna, and Alexis, and all his family and friends.”
Two seasons were spent with the Mets from 1999-2000. In his stint in Flushing, Henderson picked up 159 hits, scored 106 runs and stole 42 bases while slashing .298/.416/.423.
“Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as a teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent,” Mets legend Mike Piazza wrote on social media. “He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for his soul and family.”
