Rickey Henderson, the Greatest Leadoff Hitter and Base Stealer in MLB History, Dies at 65
Rickey Henderson, the iconic leadoff hitter and the all-time leader in stolen bases, passed away on Friday at the age of 65. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history, Henderson's career spanned 25 years, during which he redefined the role of the leadoff hitter with his remarkable speed, power, and flair.
Henderson’s family confirmed his passing in a statement released on Saturday, expressing deep gratitude for his legacy and the love he shared with family and friends. “Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and a truly humble soul,” the statement said. “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.”
While the family did not disclose the cause of death, they expressed appreciation for the care he received from UCSF hospital’s staff.
Known for his daring style of play, Henderson became one of baseball's most controversial and beloved figures. He shattered records and boundaries, including his astonishing 1,406 stolen bases, a record that remains unbeaten. He surpassed Lou Brock’s previous mark of 938 steals in 1991, and set multiple records for most steals in a season (130 in 1982) and most times leading the league in steals (12). At age 39, Henderson became the oldest player to lead the American League in steals, with 66 in 1998.
In addition to his speed, Henderson also exhibited rare power for a leadoff hitter. Over his career, he hit 297 home runs, including a major league-record 81 home runs to lead off games. His total of 3,055 career hits, 2,295 runs scored, and 2,190 walks left an indelible mark on the game. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009 as a first-ballot selection, receiving 94.8% of the vote.
Henderson's flair was as unforgettable as his stats. His boisterous celebrations, including his famous “I am the greatest of all time” proclamation when he broke Brock’s stolen base record, and his signature slow trots after home runs, set him apart as one of baseball's true showmen. His style, often described as brash and flamboyant, polarized opinions but earned him a legion of devoted fans who appreciated his theatrical presence and unapologetic confidence.
Commissioner Rob Manfred called Henderson “the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting,” noting that his influence on the game continues to be felt in recent rule changes aimed at encouraging more stolen base attempts.
Throughout his career, Henderson played for nine teams, most notably the Oakland A's, where he won two World Series titles (1989 with the A's and 1993 with Toronto), and was named the American League MVP in 1990. Known for his determination and leadership, he helped the A's to multiple playoff appearances and left a legacy of excellence both on and off the field.
Rickey Henderson's career is celebrated not only for his extraordinary achievements but also for his larger-than-life personality, which captivated both fans and teammates. His influence on the game is unmatched, and his legacy as one of the most electrifying players in baseball history will endure for generations to come.
The baseball world has lost a legend, and Rickey Henderson will be remembered as one of the game's most transformative and beloved figures.
