Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Baseball, has passed away, ESPN reports. He was 65.
On Saturday, December 21, Henderson’s passing was confirmed by his family in an official statement.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson,” the family’s statement read.
“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,” the statement continued. “Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”
The family thanked the doctors and nurses at UCSF Hospital for their “dedication and compassion.”
No cause of death was released.
Known for his lightning speed and magnetic charisma, Henderson was
A native of Oakland, California, Henderson was a standout high school football player before switching to baseball at the advice of his mother. Breaking into the MLB with the Oakland Athletics in 1979, Henderson was an elite player from the start.
Henderson went on to hold MLB records for career stolen bases, runs, unintentional walks, and leadoff home runs. Other accolades include a 10-time American League (AL) All-Star selection and was its all-time leader in walks.
Most notably, he played with Athletics on four different occasions. He also played with the New York Yankees, the San Diego Padres, the New York Mets, the Seattle Mariners, the Boston Red Sox, the Toronto Blue Jays, the California Angels, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Also, he was a two-time World Series Champion.
The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted Henderson in his first year of eligibility.
Henderson holds the single-season record for stolen bases (130 in 1982). He also is the only player in AL history to steal 100 bases in a season, having done so three times (in 1980, 1982, and 1983). His 1,406 career steals is 50% higher than the previous record of 938 by Lou Brock.
During his retirement, Henderson suffered from several health issues. He was asthmatic and had surgery last year to correct his ongoing sinus trouble. According to Dave Stewart, fellow Oakland A’s legend and his lifelong friend, Henderson did not know how to slow down.
“When I heard he was sick, I wasn’t surprised,” Stewart told USA TODAY. He doesn’t know how to slow it down. He doesn’t give himself a chance not to be 100%.
“Him having asthma, him being sick, it never stopped him. He was always on the go. He had these rental properties in Oakland, and I’d get these calls saying they saw Rickey out cutting the grass. I’d say, ‘What do you mean?’ They told me he was actually out there with a lawn mower doing work on his property.”
Henderson survived behind his wife Pamela (his high school sweetheart), their three daughters, and his mother.
We at HOT97, offer our prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Rickey Henderson.
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