Grief and tributes flood online as baseball icon and Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, the legendary “Man of Steal,” dies after battling a health condition.
Baseball icon and Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson passed away on December 20 after a brief battle with pneumonia. According to TMZ, he died while receiving treatment at a hospital in the Oakland area. He was 65.
Rickey Henderson at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Henderson’s family confirmed the news through a statement shared on the Oakland Athletics’ official Instagram page, expressing their profound grief over his loss.
“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,” the family said.
Rickey Henderson speaks at a pregame ceremony in Oakland for the Athletics Hall of Fame on September 5, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
His wife, Pamela Henderson, and their daughters thanked fans, friends, and the Major League Baseball (MLB) community for their outpouring of support during this challenging period.
“In this difficult time, we kindly ask for your respect and privacy as we adjust to life without Rickey, holding on to the legacy he left for all of us,” their statement concluded.
The Oakland Athletics, where Henderson spent 14 seasons of his illustrious career, issued a heartfelt tribute, calling him the “most legendary player in Oakland history.” They praised his unparalleled records and his mentorship, noting his profound impact on generations of players and fans.
Rickey Henderson practices batting before the 1989 ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Oakland Coliseum on October 3-4, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
“Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and his records will forever stand atop baseball history,” the statement read.
Henderson, known as the “Man of Steal,” leaves behind a legacy of unmatched achievements. From 1979 to 2003, spanning nine teams, he set Major League Baseball records for stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295).
He had 3,055 hits, 297 home runs, and a .279 batting average. He was a 10-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Best remembered for his time with the Athletics, Henderson’s baserunning changed the game and set records that continue to inspire future generations.
