SAN FRANCISCO—Rickey Henderson, the electrifying Hall of Fame baseball player known as the “Man of Steal” for his unparalleled base-stealing abilities, died on Friday following complications from pneumonia, just five days shy of his 66th birthday. He was a patient at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center.
Henderson, who played an astonishing 25 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), is regarded as one of the game’s greatest leadoff hitters and baserunners. He still holds several MLB records, including career stolen bases (1,406), runs scored (2,295), and leadoff home runs (81). Henderson’s 130 stolen bases in 1982 remain the single-season record.
Over the course of his career, Henderson played for nine teams, including four separate stints with the Oakland Athletics, the franchise where he began his career in 1979. He was a 10-time American League All-Star, the 1990 AL Most Valuable Player, and a two-time World Series champion with the 1989 Athletics and the 1993 Toronto Blue Jays. Known for his power, speed, and innovative approach to the game, Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009 on his first ballot.
Born on Christmas Day in 1958 in Chicago, Henderson grew up in Oakland, California, where he first developed the unique skill set that would make him a legend. A natural left-handed thrower who batted right-handed, Henderson honed his talent playing alongside friends and neighbors. His mother encouraged him to pursue baseball over football, despite his success as a high school All-American running back.
Henderson’s influence extended beyond his on-field records. His flamboyant personality and love for the game captivated fans and cemented his status as one of the sport’s most memorable figures. Known for his self-confidence and colorful remarks, Henderson once declared, “If you could split me in two, you’d have two Hall of Famers,” a sentiment echoed by baseball analysts and fans alike.
Rickey Henderson’s contributions to baseball were unparalleled, and his impact on the sport will endure for generations.