OAKLAND (KCBS RADIO) – Baseball's all-time steals leader, two-time World Series champion and Oakland native Rickey Henderson passed away Friday at the age of 65.
Major League Baseball announced Henderson's death Saturday afternoon.
The Henderson Family released the following statement:
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.
With gratitude,
Pamela Henderson and his daughters
The baseball legend passed after battling pneumonia.
The Athletics released their own statement:
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.
Born in Chicago in 1958, Henderson spent most of his childhood in Oakland. In 1976, at just 18, he signed with the Athletics.
Henderson would go on to play for nine teams over his 25-year Hall of Fame career – winning two World Series in 1989 with Oakland and in 1993 with Toronto.
Widely regarded as the greatest lead-off hitter ever, Henderson left an indelible mark on the city and fans of Oakland. In 2009, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
The 10-time All-Star won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1990, leading the league in runs scored, stolen bases and on-base percentage.
He spent most of his career in left field and won a Gold Glove Award in 1981.
In his first major league season, 1980, Henderson broke Hall of Famer Ty Cobb’s American League stolen base record with 100 swipes. In 1982, he stole 130 bases, breaking Hall of Famer Lou Brock’s major league single-season record of 118.
He led the American League in steals 12 times and went on to be the all-time record holder with 1,406, earning him the nickname “Man of Steal”.