OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 15: Former Oakland Athletics Rickey Henderson before an MLB game against the St. Louis Cardinals at the Coliseum on Monday, April 15, 2024 in Oakland, California. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times) via Getty Im
Oakland, California – Oakland AthleticsRickey Henderson, legend, MLB Hall of Famer and one of baseball’s greatest players, died Friday at the age of 65.
His death was confirmed by MLB on FOX’s “X” account.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of my husband, Ricky Henderson,” his wife, Pamela Henderson, said in a statement. “A legend on and off the field, Ricky was a devoted son, father, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and truly humble soul.”
His family has not revealed the cause of death, but other media reports say he died of pneumonia. He would have turned 66 on Christmas Day.
The Athletics said they were shocked and heartbroken by his passing, saying the loss will be felt not only by A’s fans, but baseball fans around the world.
“He is arguably the most legendary player in Oakland history, leaving an indelible mark on generations of Athletics fans during his 14 seasons in the green and gold,” the Athletics said in a statement. said.
MLB also shared their thoughts on Henderson’s death, saying they were shocked to hear of his death.
According to MLB, Henderson had a 25-year career in the league, earning 10 All-Star selections, three Silver Slugger Awards and two championships. world series champion.
Henderson is the third Baseball Hall of Famer with ties to the Bay Area to pass away this year, following the former Giants star who passed away in June. Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda.
Born Ricky Nelson Henry Henderson, he was nicknamed “The Stealing Man.” Henderson played for nine teams from 1979 to 2003, including four separate stints with the Athletics.
His main position was left field. Henderson earned his nickname after leading the American League in stolen bases 12 times and holding the all-time record for stolen bases with 1,406.
Henderson also holds MLB records for career stolen bases, runs scored, unintentional walks and leadoff home runs.
And that’s not the only record he holds. During his first season, MLBbroke the American League’s stolen base record of 96 with 100 swipes. The previous record was held by Ty Cobb of the American League for 65 years.
of auckland Native won the American League MVP in 1990 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Henderson was born on December 25, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois. Henderson spent most of his childhood in Auckland and graduated from Auckland University of Technology. He was a talented running back in high school, but turned down multiple scholarship offers to sign with the Oakland Athletics in 1976.
in A’s last day in Aucklandattended by Henderson.


OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 26: Dave Stewart (left) and Detora Athletics pose for a photo before the MLB game between the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum on September 26, 2024 in Oakland. Page, Rickey Henderson. California. (photograph
Even after retiring from baseball in 2007, he continued to play an important role in the organization, greeting fans, stopping by the stadium on game days to meet players, and being close to the games he loved.


Portrait of Oakland Athletics outfielder Rickey Henderson.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.