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Rickey Henderson, the legendary leadoff hitter and base stealer, died on December 20, 2024, at the age of 65. Nicknamed the “Man of Steal,” Henderson left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball with his unparalleled speed and base-stealing prowess.
A native of Chicago, Henderson grew up in Oakland and attended Oakland Technical High School, where he was a star in both baseball and football. His mother, Bobbie, convinced him to concentrate on baseball to avoid getting hurt, thus paving the way for his future.
A product of the Oakland Athletics fourth-round selection in the 1976 draft, his first major league game was on June 24, 1979. Henderson had a 25-year career for nine teams, including the Athletics, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and San Diego Padres. Highly recognized for his speed, he stole 1,406 bases and scored 2,295 runs during his time in the majors.
One of the most memorable moments of Henderson’s career came on May 1, 1991, when he broke Lou Brock’s all-time stolen base record, swiping his 939th base against the New York Yankees. In a triumphant gesture, Henderson held the base marker aloft and declared, Lou Brock was the symbol of great base stealing, but today, I am the greatest of all time.
The laurels came In droves for Henderson: two World Series championships, three Silver Slugger Awards, one Gold Glove Award, and the 1989 ALCS MVP Award. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009, his first year of eligibility, appearing on 94.8 percent of ballots.
Beyond his impressive stats, Henderson’s presence in a game was loud. His swaggering confidence, his chatty personality on and off the field made him a beloved figure among the fans and teammates alike. He had third-person references and one famous catchphrase, Rickey’s gotta go, where he would scream before he attempted a steal.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, “Rickey earned universal respect, admiration, and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickey’s family, his friends, and former teammates, A’s fans, and baseball fans everywhere.”.
A legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history was secured for Henderson. The records and achievements will always stand to his name as a testament to his superlative talent and devotion to the game.
Rest in peace, Rickey Henderson. Your contributions to baseball will never be forgotten.
