In Memoriam: Rickey Henderson, Baseball’s “Man of Steal”

Rickey Henderson, MLB Hall of Fame outfielder whose speed was unmatched, has died.

Henderson passed away Friday at a San Francisco hospital after battling pneumonia. He was 65.

Considered the “Man of steal”

Henderson, widely regarded as the greatest base stealer in MLB history, still holds the all-time records for stolen bases (1,406), runs scored (2,295), and leadoff home runs (81). His death was confirmed by his wife, Pamela Henderson, who described him as “a legend on and off the field” and “a truly humble soul”.

Rickey Henderson’s baseball career

Born on Christmas Day in 1958 in Chicago, Henderson grew up in Oakland, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball at Oakland Technical High School. Drafted by the hometown Athletics in 1976, he made his MLB debut three years later and quickly became a fan favorite for his daring base running and charismatic presence.

Over a 25-year career, Henderson played for nine teams, including multiple stints with the A’s, Yankees, and Padres. He won two World Series titles — in 1989 with Oakland and in 1993 with Toronto — and earned the 1990 American League MVP Award. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Commissioner Rob Manfred called Henderson “the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting,” adding that his impact on the game influenced modern rule changes aimed at encouraging more aggressive base running.

Legacy off the field

Known for his playful third-person references and iconic moments — including pulling third base from the ground after breaking Lou Brock’s stolen base record in 1991 — Henderson’s legacy extended beyond statistics. He remained active in the A’s organization after retirement, mentoring players and participating in ceremonial events, including the final game at the Oakland Coliseum in 2024.

Tributes poured in from across the baseball world. Former teammate Jose Canseco tweeted, “Rickey Henderson was an incredibly talented player but an even better human. I’ll never forget all the incredible memories we created together”.

Henderson is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of athletes to “run like Rickey.”