Grief and tributes pour in as baseball icon Rickey Henderson, the legendary “Man of Steal,” dies just days before his 66th birthday after battling a health condition.
Baseball legend and Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson passed away on December 20 after a brief battle with pneumonia. He was 65. According to TMZ, he passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Oakland.
Rickey Henderson at RingCentral Coliseum on September 25, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Henderson’s family confirmed the news through a statement shared on the Oakland Athletics’ official Instagram page, expressing their profound grief over his loss. His death occurred just five days before what would have been his 66th birthday on Christmas Day.
“Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind,” the family said.
Rickey Henderson speaks at a pregame ceremony in Oakland for the Athletics Hall of Fame on September 5, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
His wife, Pamela Henderson, and their daughters thanked fans, friends, and the Major League Baseball (MLB) community for their outpouring of support during this challenging period.
“In this difficult time, we kindly ask for your respect and privacy as we adjust to life without Rickey, holding on to the legacy he left for all of us,” their statement concluded.
The Oakland Athletics, where Henderson spent 14 seasons of his illustrious career, issued a heartfelt tribute, calling him the “most legendary player in Oakland history.” They praised his unparalleled records and his mentorship, noting his profound impact on generations of players and fans.
Rickey Henderson practices batting before the 1989 ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Oakland Coliseum on October 3-4, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
“Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and his records will forever stand atop baseball history,” the statement read.
Henderson, known as the “Man of Steal,” leaves behind a legacy of unmatched achievements. From 1979 to 2003, spanning nine teams, he set Major League Baseball records for stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295).
He had 3,055 hits, 297 home runs, and a .279 batting average. He was a 10-time All-Star and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
More tributes flooded social media after news of Henderson’s passing, especially on X, formerly Twitter. Fox Sports honored his career by highlighting his unmatched accomplishments.
The New York Yankees, where Henderson played four-and-a-half seasons, praised him as one of the most “magnetic” players in baseball history, effortlessly captivating fans, teammates, and opponents alike.
Former Oakland Athletics teammate Jose Canseco expressed his grief on X, calling Henderson an “incredibly talented player” and sharing a nostalgic photo of him in a joyful moment.
The outpouring of emotions extended to another close friend and former teammate, Dave Stewart, who shared heartfelt memories of Henderson following his passing.
Stewart and Henderson’s friendship began in their teenage years in Oakland, where they played against each other in the Babe Ruth League. Their bond grew over time as they shared a passion for sports and a competitive drive.
Dave Stewart at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, on September 5, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Henderson initially excelled more in football than baseball, but his athletic potential on the diamond was undeniable. Their paths crossed again in professional baseball, from facing each other in the minors to reuniting as teammates with the Oakland Athletics in 1989.
That year, they led the team to a World Series championship, a shared triumph that cemented their bond. Stewart fondly recalled Henderson’s playful comment about his MVP win.
Dave Stewart speaks to CBS sportscaster Jim Kaat after defeating the Red Sox in Game Four of the 1990 ALCS at Oakland Coliseum on October 10, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
“When I won the MVP, Rickey kept saying the trophy really was his. He told me the only reason I won it is because of all the stuff I did during the earthquake. He told me, ‘If you didn’t all of that stuff, helping people, it was mine. You got sympathy votes,'” Stewart said.
Rickey Henderson greets Dave Stewart before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays in Oakland, California, on May 28, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Their friendship extended beyond the field. When Stewart decided to retire in 1995, Henderson was determined to keep their careers aligned. “He didn’t talk to me for two, maybe three weeks. He kept telling me I should retire when he retired. He wanted me to keep playing as long as he did [2003],” Stewart recalled.
Rickey Henderson and Dave Henderson pose for a photo during practice on October 11, 1989 | Source: Getty Images
In 2022, the Athletics honored their shared legacy by retiring both players’ jersey numbers. Reflecting on the occasion, Stewart expressed admiration for Athletics legends like Rollie Fingers, Reggie Jackson, and Catfish Hunter.
Yet, he admitted that having his jersey retired alongside Henderson’s was deeply personal. “So, when my number was retired, what made it so special is that he and I were together, two kids from Oakland, and having our numbers retired together by the organization we loved,” Stewart said.
Rickey Henderson and Dave Stewart in the Oakland Athletics’ dressing room on June 29, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking to USA Today on December 21, Stewart expressed disbelief at the loss of someone he had considered not only a teammate but a lifelong companion. “I couldn’t believe it,” Stewart said. “I still can’t. I can’t wrap my heard [sic] around it. We’ve known each other practically our entire lives. That was my dude.”
It didn’t seem real to him, especially knowing Henderson’s energetic spirit and determination to push through health challenges. Stewart illustrated this with vivid examples of Henderson’s active lifestyle.
“He had these rental properties in Oakland, and I’d get these calls saying they saw Rickey out cutting the grass. I’d say, ‘What do you mean?’ They told me he actually out there with a lawn mower doing work on his property,” Stewart recounted.
Dave Stewart and Rickey Henderson talk on the field during a workout at Fitch Park in Mesa, Arizona, on February 18, 2020 | Source: Getty Images
Stewart also described Henderson as adventurous. He enjoyed fishing and began hunting with a bold choice, going after wild boar, which is a challenging choice for a beginner.
Recounting their last interaction, Stewart said he called Henderson on Friday (December 20) to remind him of a scheduled business meeting the next day.
Instead, he spoke with Henderson’s daughter, Alexis, who informed him that her father was in the hospital for surgery. Later that day, he received the devastating news that Henderson had passed.
Respecting the family’s wishes, Stewart refrained from commenting publicly until they were ready to make an announcement. Later, he reflected on the tributes he saw on X, particularly one tweet that humorously captured Henderson’s unique personality.
Dave Stewart and Rickey Henderson throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Oakland Athletics vs. Texas Rangers game at the Oakland Coliseum on September 26, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
It suggested that if something happened to Rickey, he would simply say, “Rickey is gone.” Stewart found the statement so fitting that he couldn’t help but laugh, agreeing it perfectly summed up his late friend’s greatness. “Now, ain’t that the truth,” he said.
Rickey Henderson and Dave Stewart stand together during the opening night game between the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum on April 3, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Henderson’s passing leaves a void not only in Stewart’s life but across the entire baseball community, where his legacy as a player and friend remains unmatched.
