Baseball fans and stars poured on the tributes for Rickey Henderson after the legendary player’s death was reported on Saturday.
Henderson, who was widely considered one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in history, passed away at the age of 65.
According to TMZ Sports, the two-time World Series champion died in the Oakland area and had been receiving treatment for a battle with pneumonia.
After the news broke, tributes from around Major League Baseball flooded X as stars mourned his passing.
‘Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson one of the greatest to ever play the game you’ll be dearly missed Brother RIP Rickey,’ wrote Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs.
‘Super Sky Point to Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff man and base stealer to ever set foot on a baseball diamond. I’m stunned. Some guys seem larger than mortality. Rickey was one of them,’ one user captioned a photo of Henderson holding a stolen base.
MLB Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson died at the age of 65 on Friday, according to reports
Henderson played for nine different teams in MLB during his legendary 25-year career
‘No one has touched home plate more. No one has stolen more bases. And no one has come around quite like him since,’ another added.
‘Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest. Two-time champion with As and Jays. And owner of one of the most iconic moments ever: breaking the stolen base record.’
Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Josh Redding wrote, ‘I’m heartbroken at the news about the legend Rickey Henderson. To be able to be taught by someone I idolized as a kid, it meant so much that he took time to teach so many of us.’
Former MLB pitcher John Rocker posted a video of Rickey’s daughter, Adrian Henderson, throwing a first pitch to her father and wrote, ‘Rickey Henderson was more than just one of the greatest baseball players of all-time He was a loving father. Sending my sincere condolences to his family.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy had a prolonged message, reminiscing about his time with Henderson.
‘During my time with the @Athletics he had his locker right next to mine. He would come in almost everyday and play cards with the boys. Class act and great dude,’ Lucroy wrote. ‘I used to mess with him by saying that he was lucky I wasn’t catching when he was trying to steal. I’d have thrown him out.
‘Probably not true but he would say, naw man you would have no chance lol. I also loved talking hitting with him. He was a really smart player,’ he added. ‘He was a good guy and loved being around the players. Baseball lost a good one today. Legendary player. Prayers and condolences to his family.’
Henderson was drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics, whom he went on to play for on four separate occasions.
Tributes from fans and major league stars flooded after news of Henderson’s death surfaced
After a stint with the New York Yankees, the 10-time All-Star helped Oakland claim its first World Series for 25 years in the 1989 season, before adding another to his collection four years later with the Toronto Blue Jays.
He also enjoyed spells with the Anaheim Angels (now known as the LA Angels), the Seattle Mariners, and the Boston Red Sox as well as two with the San Diego Padres, before eventually retiring as an LA Dodger.
Across his 24-year career, Henderson had three seasons with at least 20 home runs and 65 stolen bases.
The other 23,369 players in MLB history combined have four.
Henderson recorded more than 3,055 hits and 297 home runs with a .279 batting average, while he also holds the record for runs scored with 2,295.
As for his stolen-base record, no other player in history has ever hit the 1,000 mark, something he achieved 11 years before the end of his career.
Henderson entered the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009, six years after he had called time on his iconic playing days.
Hours after his death was reported, the Athletics released a statement on behalf of Henderson’s family.
‘It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. 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 statement read.
‘We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt memories from family, friends, and fans — all of which have brought immense comfort. We also extend our sincere gratitude to MLB, the Oakland A’s, and the incredible doctors and nurses at UCSF who cared for Rickey with dedication and compassion.
‘Your prayers and kindness mean more than words can express. 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.
‘With gratitude, Pamela Henderson and his daughters.’
