Rickey Henderson, the great father of MLB, has died at the age of 65.
Henderson was a ten-time All-Star, spending most of his 14-year career with the Oakland Athletics.
Henderson would have turned 66 on Christmas Day – reportedly battling pneumonia.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM
Former Oakland Athletics shortstop Rickey Henderson prior to their MLB game against St. Louis Cardinals at the Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., on Monday, April 15, 2024. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)
Henderson is also the all-time leader in runs scored. He was named the American League MVP in 1990 after leading the AL with a 1.016 OPS, 65 stolen bases, and 119 runs scored.
He played for the Yankees, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels, and Dodgers.
“For generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most successful and beloved Athletics of all time,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “He also made an impact at many other Clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. Rickey exuded speed, power and fun by setting the tone at the top of the lineup. When we considered the new rules of the game in recent years, we had the Rickey Henderson era in mind.
“Rickey earned the worldwide respect, admiration and awe of sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my condolences to Rickey’s family, friends and former teammates, A’s fans and baseball fans everywhere.”
Henderson won two World Series – one with the A’s in 1989 and another with Toronto four years later.
Former Oakland Athletics quarterback Rickey Henderson speaks during a ceremony before the game against the San Francisco Giants at RingCentral Coliseum. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)
2025 MLB FREE SIGNING TRACKER, TRADES: YANKEES SIGN PAUL GOLDSCHMIDT
Henderson became MLB’s stolen bases leader on May 1, 1991, when he swiped third base at Oakland – finishing with 1,406 in his career, surpassing Lou Brock by nearly 500 bags. Henderson also retired with 2,295 home runs, 50 more than Ty Cobb. His 3,055 hits are also 27th all-time.
His 130 stolen bases in 1982 are the most in a lifetime – he and Vince Coleman are the only players since 1920 to have three seasons of at least 100 stolen bases. Henderson has swiped 50 sacks in 13 seasons, the most ever.
Oakland Athletics Rickey Henderson wins after making his 938th career stolen base and tying Lou Brock’s record during a game vs California Angels, Oakland, CA 4/27/1991. (Richard Mackson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
He made his debut in 1979 and finally hung up the cleats in 2003, accumulating 111.1 WAR in his 25 MLB seasons.
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on Xand register at Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
