Rickey Henderson, baseball’s biggest leadoff hitter and the all-time stolen base king, died Friday in Oakland on the age of 65 after battling pneumonia, a number of sources confirmed on Saturday.
Henderson’s profession was a testomony to hurry, energy and charisma. Over 24 seasons, he racked up a record-breaking 1,406 stolen bases, 2,295 runs scored, and 81 leadoff residence runs. A ten-time All-Star, two-time World Sequence champion, and 1990 American League MVP, Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Corridor of Fame on the primary poll in 2009.
“My favourite hero was Muhammad Ali,” Henderson stated throughout his induction speech in Cooperstown, New York. “He stated one time, quote, I’m the best, finish of quote. That was one thing I at all times needed to be, and now that the [Baseball Writers’ Association of America] has voted me into the Baseball Corridor of Fame, my journey as a participant is full. I’m now within the class of the best gamers of all time, and at this second, I’m very, very humbled.”
Born Rickey Nelson Henley Henderson on Christmas Day in 1958, he usually joked that his quick arrival within the again seat of an Oldsmobile in Chicago foreshadowed his legendary pace. Raised within the Bay Space, he starred as a multi-sport athlete at Oakland Technical Excessive Faculty earlier than choosing baseball on the urging of his mom. Drafted by the Oakland Athletics within the fourth spherical in 1976, Henderson debuted in 1979 and shortly turned a fan favourite.
Henderson’s profession was outlined by his fearless baserunning, together with his record-breaking 130 stolen bases in 1982, a single-season mark that also stands. On 1 Could 1991, he surpassed Lou Brock’s profession stolen base file along with his 939th steal, cementing his place as MLB’s all-time theft chief.
“Rickey was the best leadoff hitter of all time. There’s no debate,” stated Billy Beane, former A’s basic supervisor. “He reworked the sport and made each staff he performed for higher.”
Henderson performed for 9 groups, together with notable stints with the Yankees and Mets, however he’s ceaselessly linked to his hometown A’s, the place he spent 14 seasons over 4 stints. The enjoying discipline on the Oakland Coliseum was renamed Rickey Henderson Discipline in 2017, a tribute he referred to as “a particular, nice second”.
A colourful character each on and off the sector, Henderson usually referred to himself within the third particular person and delivered memorable quips. “If my uniform doesn’t get soiled, I haven’t completed something within the baseball recreation,” he as soon as stated.
Former teammates and opponents alike shared tributes. “Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind and a nightmare for catchers,” Mets teammate Mike Piazza stated. “He can be sorely missed.”
Henderson’s passing marks a poignant second for Oakland followers because the A’s put together to depart town after 57 years. His loss of life follows these of different franchise legends, making the loss particularly bittersweet for a loyal fan base. He’s survived by his spouse, Pamela, and three youngsters.
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