Oakland Athletics legend Rickey Henderson passed away on Friday at the age of 65 in the Oakland area due to complications from pneumonia, as reported by TMZ. Major League Baseball confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday, mourning the loss of one of the most electrifying players in the sport’s history. Henderson, who would have turned 66 on Christmas Day, leaves behind a legacy that few can match. Known as the “Man of Steal,” Henderson was a generational talent who rewrote the record books every time he stepped on the field.

With an astonishing 1,406 stolen bases, he holds a record that feels almost untouchable—a testament to his unparalleled speed and baseball IQ. Beyond that, he remains the only player in American League history to record 100 steals in a single season, a feat he accomplished not just once, but three times during his illustrious 25-year career. A true all-around player, he earned 10 All-Star selections and was crowned the AL MVP in 1990. Throughout his career, he donned the jerseys of nine different teams, leaving his mark wherever he played. The baseball world has been paying tribute to Henderson since the news broke, reflecting on the indelible mark Henderson left on the game.

A-Rod’s and Don Mattingly’s heartful words for Rickey Henderson

Rickey Henderson was one of baseball’s most colorful characters and had a penchant for referring to himself in the third person. He famously said, “Nothing is impossible for Rickey. You don’t have enough fingers and toes to count out Rickey.” Naturally, tributes are pouring in for the larger-than-life personality. Alex Rodriguez, who played with Henderson briefly in 2000 with the Seattle Mariners, shared a heartfelt message. “There will never be another Rickey Henderson. He played with such passion, flair, and joy. He was a true force of nature and an incredible teammate. Devastated to hear about his passing. RIP Rickey.”

There will never be another Ricky Henderson. 💔

He played with such passion, flair, and joy. He was a true force of nature on the field and an incredible teammate. Devastated to hear about his passing.

RIP Ricky pic.twitter.com/LFOoMSLGa2

— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) December 21, 2024

Yankees legend Don Mattingly, who shared the field with Henderson from 1985 to 1989, reflected fondly on his former teammate’s unparalleled greatness. “Rickey was simply the best player I ever played with,” Mattingly said. “He could change the outcome of a game in so many ways. It puts a smile on my face just thinking about him. I will miss my friend.”

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also paid tribute, highlighting Henderson’s transformative impact on the game. “Rickey epitomized speed, power, and entertainment,” Manfred said. “When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind.”

The unmatched legacy of Rickey Henderson

Rickey Henderson’s legacy shines as brightly as his presence on the baseball diamond. His record-breaking 130 stolen bases in 1982 is a feat that stands unchallenged, a testament to his dominance on the basepaths. Leading his league in steals an incredible 12 times, Henderson not only excelled but also revolutionized the art of baserunning, transforming it into a dynamic weapon.

Fans will forever cherish the iconic moment when he triumphantly lifted a base after surpassing Lou Brock’s all-time stolen base record—a gesture as legendary as the achievement itself. Equally unforgettable was his distinctive crouched batting stance, a stance that was both unorthodox and undeniably effective.

Henderson’s greatness extended far beyond his incredible speed, solidifying him as one of the most complete players in baseball history. As a leadoff hitter, he set the standard for generations to follow, combining a sharp eye at the plate with the ability to make consistent, powerful contact. Henderson’s 300 career home runs exemplify his blend of speed and strength, proving he was far more than just a baserunning phenom.

Across a storied career spanning more than two decades, Henderson compiled an impressive .279/.401/.419 slash line with a .820 OPS. His remarkable achievements include 1,406 stolen bases—a record that feels untouchable—and 2,295 runs scored, further cementing his place as one of baseball’s all-time greats. In 2009, Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, receiving 94.8% of the vote, a testament to his enduring impact on the game.

But Henderson’s legacy transcends his records and accolades. His electrifying presence on the field, his unmatched charisma, and his larger-than-life persona made him a cultural icon. Rickey Henderson wasn’t just a player—he was a transformative force in baseball whose influence will continue to resonate with fans and players alike for generations to come.