Rickey Henderson, the all-time stolen base leader in Major League Baseball (MLB), has passed away at 65, as confirmed by his family and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His family shared their profound sadness, highlighting Henderson’s legacy as both a remarkable athlete and a loving individual. Described as a humble soul, Henderson’s passion for baseball and his integrity defined his remarkable life.
Over a distinguished 25-year career from 1979 to 2003, Henderson played for nine teams, notably becoming the all-time leader in stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295). Celebrated as the best leadoff hitter in the sport’s history, he was a 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, finishing his career with a .279 batting average and over 3,000 hits. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, Henderson received acclaim for transforming the game with his speed and playmaking ability.
Henderson’s impact on baseball extended beyond statistics, as he earned admiration from fans and players alike. The Oakland Athletics, where he spent the majority of his career, honoured him by renaming their field after him in 2017. The A’s organisation expressed deep sorrow at his passing, recognising his influence on the game and his enduring connection to fans across generations.