The MLB world lost its all-time leader in stolen bases on Saturday with the death of Rickey Henderson, who was among baseball’s brightest stars of the 1980s and ’90s.
Henderson will always be remembered as the man who stole 1,406 bases, a mark that might be one of MLB’s true unbreakable records. The active player in that area is Starling Marte with 354, about a quarter of Henderson’s total.
However, Henderson was so much more than a demon on the basepaths. He had power, with 297 career home runs. He had plate discipline and retired as MLB’s all-time leader in walks with 2,190 (only Barry Bonds has surpassed that mark). He had Gold Glove defenses and two World Series rings. And he had a larger-than-life personality, while still being as generous as any star:
My favorite Rickey Henderson anecdote. Playoff teams receive a fixed post-season bonus pool from which they can distribute “shares.” A full share for a World Series winning team in the 2020s is ~$500,000, and Rickey wanted to give that equivalent to every employee who could really use that money. pic.twitter.com/LLZGNLQG0y
— Foolish Baseball (@FoolishBB) December 21, 2024
When a league loses a player like that, his colleagues feel it. Even before news of Henderson’s death, tributes poured in from Henderson’s former teammates, opponents and coaches in the major leagues, not to mention all the players who came to idolize him.
Dave Winfield, Henderson’s Hall of Fame teammate with the New York Yankees, was the first to do it:
Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as a teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious people. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his soul and family.#MLB #COURT pic.twitter.com/nL7tJeDIrE
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) December 21, 2024
Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson, one of the best to ever play the game, you will be dearly missed, Brother RIP Rickey 😢🙏
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) December 21, 2024
RIP Rickie Henderson! This is simply devastating to our baseball community. Rickie was always the driving force of my time. I always joke with us, which makes me laugh constantly. One of the best to ever do it all on the field. The HOF wants to be the same for me. God bless his family 🙏🏾#Legend
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) December 21, 2024
It was an honor to wear the same uniform with Rickey Henderson. He was the most entertaining and dynamic player I have ever seen. RIP Rickey, you were the best!
— Bobby Valentine (@BobbyValentine) December 21, 2024
So sad to hear of Ricky Henderson’s passing. My condolences to his family, friends, former teammates and fans. Many great leadoff hitters have played baseball, but Ricky may have been the best ever. What a distinction…RIP Ricky
— Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) December 21, 2024
Nothing better than having conversations with the great Ricky Henderson. Today is a sad day for baseball. We will miss you!
Thank you for always taking care of me in Oakland. RIP#24— Over There Alonso (@YonderalonsoU) December 21, 2024
RIP Rickey, my condolences to the Henderson family. One of the best to ever do.
— Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) December 21, 2024
I am heartbroken by the news of the legend Rickey Henderson. To be able to be taught by someone I idolized as a child, it meant so much that he took the time to teach so many of us.
— Josh Reddick (@JRedDubDeuce) December 21, 2024
Heavy heart today with this news. As teammates with him, my rookie year was incredible. The banter was real. The wisdom was endless. I was lucky enough to wear #23 next to his #24 almost every day. There are so many stories coming out of that season. I’m going to miss you, my husband. 👊🏻https://t.co/OMNySBnQGz
— AJ Hinch (@ajhinch) December 21, 2024
Sad day Rickey Henderson was an absolute legend!! I enjoyed every second I was with him. TEAR
— Josh Donaldson (@BringerOfRain20) December 21, 2024
Rickey Henderson was an incredible man. A legend who was so much more accessible than his image would suggest. From playing cards in the clubhouse to picking his Hall of Fame thoughts on holding runners, Rickey shared his wealth of knowledge with ease. RIP Ricky. 💔
— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) December 21, 2024
Waking up and hearing of the death of a boy hero of mine and so many children of our generation. Getting the opportunity to play against Ricky and get to know him was a dream come true. The greatest leadoff hitter who ever lived. Devastating news. 💔🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/V43c3Zp57c
—Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) December 21, 2024
