Danielle Solzman
Oakland Athletics legend, stolen base king, and Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson has died at the age of 65 years old. He would have turned 66 years old on Wednesday. Dugout Dirt joins in morning the passing of Rickey Henderson.
Henderson was one of the greatest players to play the game. His 25-year career saw him playing in four different decades, beginning in 1979 and ending in 2003. He played with nine teams during a Hall of Fame career, being elected to baseball immortality in 2009 with 94.8%. A ten-time All Star selection, Henderson took home the 1990 AL MVP following one of the best seasons of his career. He led in WAR during three seasons–his all-time career WAR of 111.1 is still good for 19th all-time in Major League Baseball history.
At the time of his passing, Henderson still owned the MLB for 2,295 runs scored, 1,406 stolen bases, and 335 times caught stealing. He is second only to Barry Bonds with 2,190 walks. Jay Jaffe’s JAWS rankings also place Henderson as the 3rd best left fielder in baseball history.
The Athletics released a number of statements from family members and team officials.
Pamela Henderson and Rickey’s daughters:
“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.
“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.”
The A’s:
“Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and his records will forever stand atop baseball history. He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history and made an indelible mark on generations of A’s fans over his 14 seasons wearing the Green and Gold.
“For those who knew him personally, Rickey was much more than a franchise icon and a Baseball Hall of Famer. He was a friend and mentor to every player, coach, and employee who passed through the Oakland Coliseum or played a game on the field that came to bear his name.
“We are shocked and heartbroken by his passing. His loss will be felt not only by A’s fans but also by baseball fans around the world. The entire A’s organization sends its sincere condolences to Rickey’s family and loved ones at this time.”
John Fisher, A’s Owner:
“Rickey was one of a kind. I’m shocked and deeply saddened by his passing, knowing we will no longer see this humble, smiling, and always approachable legend at Spring Training or in the clubhouse. He symbolized everything that is great about baseball and his hometown team, the Oakland Athletics. As Billy Beane shared with me, ‘At 65, Rickey still looked ready to put on his uniform and lead off.’ I will miss him. My deepest condolences to his wife, daughters, family, and friends.”
Billy Beane, A’s Senior Advisor to the Managing Partner:
“Rickey was a teammate, a competitor, and someone I was lucky enough to work alongside and ultimately call a friend. He was the greatest Oakland A of all time and will deservedly be remembered that way by fans of baseball across the world. His impact on the A’s, on Oakland, and on baseball is immeasurable, as he continued to affect the lives and careers of A’s players and staff until the very end. My condolences go out, first and foremost, to his family for their loss, and to everyone who knew and admired Rickey. He will be greatly missed.”
Dave Kaval, A’s President:
“Rickey was a true original. One of the greats. He lived life the same way he played baseball, with a joy that inspired others. I was blessed to have him as a friend. I, like so many others, will miss him dearly.”
Mark Kotsay, A’s Manager:
“It was just an honor to wear the same uniform and to have him alongside us in the dugout and on the field. Rickey’s presence was felt everywhere in our clubhouse, and it’s hard to imagine the A’s without him around.”
Sandy Alderson, former General Manager and President of the A’s
“I traded Rickey Henderson twice and brought him back more times than that. He was the best player I ever saw play.
“He did it all—hit, hit for power, stole bases, and defended—and he did it with a flair that enthused his fans and infuriated his opponents. But everyone was amused by his personality, style, and third-person references to himself. He was unique in many ways.
“Rickey stories are legion, legendary, and mostly true. But behind his reputation as self-absorbed was a wonderful, kind human being who loved kids. His true character became more evident over time.
“Nine different teams, one unforgettable player.
“Sandy gonna miss Rickey.”
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner:
“For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all-time. He also made an impact with many other Clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. 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.
“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.”
The San Francisco Giants:
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest and most electrifying players to ever play the game of baseball. A true Bay Area legend, Rickey’s larger-than-life personality and love for the game made him a beloved figure across the baseball world. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go to Rickey’s family, his friends, his teammates and all those whose lives he touched.”
The National Baseball Hall of Fame also released a few statements.
Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman, Baseball Hall of Fame:
“Rickey Henderson was not only the greatest base stealer of all-time, but one of the most memorable personalities of his generation. The enthusiasm and energy he brought to Cooperstown each year will truly be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife, Pamela, and their family.”
Dave Winfield, Hall of Famer and former teammate:
“He was one of the best players that I ever played with and obviously the best leadoff hitter in baseball.”
Mitchell Page, Former Athletics teammate :
“It wasn’t until I saw Rickey that I understood what baseball was about. Rickey Henderson is a run, man. That’s it. When you see Rickey Henderson, I don’t care when, the score’s already 1-0. If he’s with you, that’s great. If he’s not, you won’t like it.”
Discover more from Dugout Dirt
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
