Rickey Henderson, MLB Stolen Base King, Dies at 65

Rickey Henderson, Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in stolen bases and runs, died at the age of 65. Known as “The Man of Steal,” Henderson had a remarkable career from 1979 to 2003 recording 1,406 stolen bases and 2,295 runs, cementing his place as one of the greatest players in baseball history. He won World Series titles with the Oakland Athletics in 1989 and the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993. A 10-time All-Star, Henderson earned the American League’s Most Valuable Player award in 1990 and joined the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred praised Henderson as the gold standard in base stealing and lead-off hitting, emphasizing his unique blend of speed, power, and entertainment. Henderson also finished his career with a .297 batting average, 297 home runs, 1,115 RBIs and a record 81 lead-off home runs. Henderson played for nine teams during his career but he is most closely associated with the Oakland Athletics where he had four stints.

The Athletics mourned his loss, calling him the most legendary player in their history and recognizing his profound impact on both the team and baseball fans worldwide. Oakland’s statement highlighted how Henderson’s records will remain an integral part of baseball history. Rickey Henderson’s death leaves a lasting void in the baseball world, as fans and players reflect on his contributions to the sport and his legacy as one of its most exciting and dynamic players.