By: Ethan Semendinger
December 21st, 2024
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Few players will ever reach the heights of Rickey Henderson the ballplayer. Even fewer will reach his iconic status. Today we remember Rickey.
Today, the baseball world mourns with the family of Rickey Henderson, his friends, beloved teammates, and the fans and fanbases he touched and made better during his career in light of the news that Rickey Henderson has passed away at the age of 65.
Rickey Henderson played for 9 different organizations across his 25 seasons in the Major Leagues, with the most laudable being his time with the New York Yankees (1985-1989) in between two of his four stints with the Oakland Athletics (1979-1984, 1989-1993, 1994-1995, 1998). He also played for the Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels, and Dodgers.
During his career, Rickey accumulated an astonishing +111.1 bWAR (good for 14th all-time), 3055 hits (27th all-time), and 2190 walks (2nd all-time), while he continues to hold the records for stolen bases in a single-season (130), stolen bases in a career (1406), and runs scored in a career (2295). He truly excelled at all facets of the game.
He was unquestionably the greatest lead-off hitter of all time, and is highly regarded as not only an inner-circle Hall of Famer, but arguably one of the single best players ever. Even Rickey himself said- after stealing the career stolen base record from Lou Brock and the 939th of his career-, "...today, I'm the greatest of all time". And, it's hard to argue that he wasn't.
In his career, he may have worn many different numbers, but today we remember him as number 24.
May God bless you, Mr. Henderson, as you find eternal peace in heaven. I can't imagine you'll be waiting long in line to get in.
He really was a generational talent! Offense AND defensive!! Loved his time with the Yankees!! He was way too young and will certainly be missed by all baseball fans!! Thanks Ricky for the memories! Rest in peace….😥
well the list of players in the argument for the greatest living player just got one player shorter. any news about why? 65 is way way too young!
losing players of this caliber feels like having a piece of history taken away. I am very glad i got to see him play
One of the best. Far too young.
Rest in Peace Rickey.
RIP Rickey. One of the greatest!
Fantastic player!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!