The MLB world lost its all-time stolen base leader on Saturday with the death of Ricky Henderson, one of baseball’s brightest stars of the 1980s and ’90s.
Henderson will always be remembered for stealing 1,406 bases, which may go down as one of MLB’s truly unbreakable records. The closest active player to that mark is Starling Marte with 354, about a quarter of Henderson’s total.
But Henderson was more than a devil on the basepaths. He had the power to hit 297 career home runs. He had plate discipline and retired as MLB’s all-time walk leader with 2,190 (only Barry Bonds surpassed that mark). He has Gold Glove defense and has won two World Series rings. And while he had a larger-than-life personality, he was as generous as any star.
My favorite Ricky Henderson anecdote. Playoff teams get a postseason bonus pool set up to distribute their “shares”. The entire 2020’s World Series winning team is worth ~$500,000, and Rickey wanted to give every employee who could actually use that money their equivalent. pic.twitter.com/LLZGNLQG0y
— Foolish Baseball (@FoolishBB) December 21, 2024
In announcing his death, the A’s praised everything that made Henderson great.
Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His accomplishments on the field speak for themselves, and his records will forever remain at the pinnacle of baseball history. He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history and left an indelible mark on A’s fans during his 14 seasons wearing the green and gold.
To those who knew him personally, Ricky was more than a franchise icon and a Baseball Hall of Famer. He was a friend and mentor to every player, coach and staff member who walked through the Oakland Coliseum or played in the stadium that bears his name.
We are shocked and heartbroken by his death. His loss will be felt not only by Mr. A’s fans but also by baseball fans around the world. At this time, Mr. A’s entire agency would like to express our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family and loved ones.
When the league loses a player like that, his teammates feel it too. Even before the news of Henderson’s death was confirmed, tributes poured in from every player who idolized Henderson, as well as his former teammates, opponents, and big league coaches.
Dave Winfield, Henderson’s Hall of Fame teammate with the New York Yankees, was the first to do it.
Ricky Henderson was a dream to keep up with as a teammate, and a nightmare to be an opposing catcher. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings.. He will be sorely missed.. Praying for his soul and family..#MLB #HOF pic.twitter.com/nL7tJeDIrE
— Mike Piazza (@mikepiazza31) December 21, 2024
On a sad day for our Hall of Fame family, Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest players in the history of the game, has passed away. You will be sorely missed. RIP Rickey brother 😢🙏
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) December 21, 2024
Kill Ricky Henderson! This is destructive to our baseball world. Rickie has always been the driving force of my days. He always jokes with us and makes me laugh constantly. One of the best players to do it all on the field. The HOF wants the same from me. May God bless his family🙏🏾#legend
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) December 21, 2024
It was an honor to wear the same uniform as Ricky Henderson. He was one of the most entertaining and dynamic players I’ve ever seen. RIP Rickey U was the best!
— Bobby Valentine (@BobbyValentine) December 21, 2024
I’m so sad to hear about Ricky Henderson’s death. Our condolences to his family, friends, former teammates and fans. Many great leadoff hitters have played the game of baseball, but Ricky is arguably the best of all time. What a distinction… RIP Ricky
— Jim Palmer (@Jim22Palmer) December 21, 2024
There’s nothing better than chatting with the great Ricky Henderson. Today is a sad day in baseball. We will miss you!
Thank you for always looking after me in Auckland. RIP#24— Yonder Alonso (@YonderalonsoU) December 21, 2024
RIP Rickey Condolences to the Henderson family. One of the best I’ve ever played.
— Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) December 21, 2024
It broke my heart to hear the news about the legendary Ricky Henderson. It meant so much to me to be taught by someone I idolized as a child, who took the time to teach many of us.
— Josh Reddick (@JRedDubDeuce) December 21, 2024
My heart is heavy with this news today. Having a teammate like him was amazing my rookie season. The joke was real. Wisdom was endless. I have the good fortune of wearing number 23 next to his number 24 almost every day. There are so many stories from that season. I will miss you, my friend. 👊🏻 https://t.co/OMNySBnQGz
— AJ Hinch (@ajhinch) December 21, 2024
Sad day Ricky Henderson was an absolute legend!! Loved every moment I was around him. tear
— Josh Donaldson (@BringerOfRain20) December 21, 2024
Ricky Henderson was an amazing man. You’ll find the legend much more approachable than his image suggests. From playing cards in the clubhouse to being a Hall of Famer for holding on runners, Rickey readily shared his wealth of knowledge. Ricky. 💔
— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) December 21, 2024
I woke up to the death of my boyhood hero and countless other children of my generation. Getting the opportunity to play against and get to know Ricky was a dream come true. The best leadoff hitter of all time. Devastating news. 💔🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/V43c3Zp57c
— Jerry Hairston Jr. (@TheRealJHair) December 21, 2024
