Rickey Henderson: Baseball legend dies aged 65
Ricky Henderson, the Major League Baseball record holder for stolen bases and stolen runs, has died at the age of 65.
Nicknamed “The Base Stealer,” Henderson stole 1,406 bases and 2,295 runs during a decorated career that included World Series championships with the Oakland Athletics in 1989 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993.
Henderson was a 10-time All-Star and the American League Most Valuable Player in 1990. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
“For generations of baseball fans, Ricky Henderson was the gold standard for stolen bases and leadoff hits,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said.
“He embodies speed, power and entertainment and sets the tone for a top-tier lineup.”
Henderson’s MLB career also included a .297 batting average, 297 home runs and 1,115 RBI, while his 81 first home runs also set a record.
He played for nine teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1979 to 2003, but was most noted for the Oakland Athletics, where he played four times.
“We are shocked and heartbroken by his passing,” Oakland said. “His passing will not only impact A’s fans, but baseball fans around the world.
“Ricky Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His accomplishments on the field speak for themselves, and his record will forever stand at the top of baseball history.
“He is undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history and has left an indelible mark on generations of Oakland fans.”
