Rickey Henderson, an MLB and Oakland Athletics great who is often called one of the greatest baseball players of all time, has died. He was 65 and was just shy of turning 66 on Christmas Day.
In their obituary, ESPN called Henderson “the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in Major League Baseball history.” He was also called the “Man of Steal” for his steals.
“A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul,” reads a statement from his wife Pamela and three daughters as they confirmed his death Saturday evening. “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.”
Henderson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
MLB commissioner’s statement
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said that Henderson was “the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting.”
His statement reads, “Rickey epitomized speed, power and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup. When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind,” Manfred said, referencing recent rule changes that have encouraged more stolen base attempts. “Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickey’s family, his friends and former teammates, A’s fans and baseball fans everywhere.”
What was Rickey Henderson’s cause of death?
According to USA Today, Henderson died after “a battle with pneumonia.” The family, who didn’t initially confirm a cause of death, thanked “the doctors and nurses at UCSF hospital, which they said cared for Henderson with ‘dedication and compassion,’” per ESPN.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
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