The Major League Baseball community received some somber news, just days before Christmas. Former baseball star Rickey Henderson passed away on December 20. He was 65 years old.
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Rickey Henderson Dead at 65
Henderson was most remembered for his time with the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. He is also Major League Baseball's leader in stolen bases. TMZ was the first to report the news, noting that the 65-year-old Henderson succumbed to a battle with pneumonia.
"Baseball's "Man of Steal," Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson is dead after a bout with pneumonia ... TMZ has learned. Sources with direct knowledge tell us ... Henderson passed away Friday in the Oakland area, and had been getting treatment at a hospital for a brief period," TMZ wrote.
"The MLB legend holds the record for stolen bases and played left field for 9 teams from 1979 to 2003. Most of those years were spent with the Oakland A's, where he debuted in the majors, but he also starred with the Yankees, Blue Jays, Mets, Padres and others ... before retiring with the Dodgers."
NLBM President Gets Honest About Legend's Passing
Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. So needless to say, the impact of his death was met with a bevy of emotional
Following the news of his passing, Negro League Baseball Museum president, Bob Kendrick expressed his feelings, calling Henderson the "greatest leadoff hitter in MLB history."
"Saddened by the passing of our friend, Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter in [MLB]history!" Kendrick said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Was proud to induct him into our Hall of Game in 2015 along with Fergie Jenkins, Ozzie Smith, and the late Luis Tiant. Condolences to his family, friends, and legion of fans!"
