Rickey Henderson: The Greatest Base Stealer of All Time

Legendary Speed and Unforgettable Style

Rickey Henderson, the iconic leadoff hitter and base-stealing maestro, has passed away at 65.

With his explosive speed, discerning eye, and unconventional home run power, Henderson blazed a trail in the halls of Major League Baseball. His flamboyant style thrilled some and grated on others, but all agreed that he was breaking boundaries alongside a record-breaking career.

Unbreakable Records and Hall of Fame Glory

In a sport obsessed with statistics, Henderson obliterated the record books. He holds the all-time stolen-base record with an astounding 1,406, nearly 500 more than the legendary Lou Brock. Henderson also boasts the record for the most stolen bases in a single season (130 in 1982), the most times leading the league in steals (12), and the most consecutive years leading the league (seven).

Following his final season in 2003, Henderson retired with 3,055 hits, the all-time marks in runs scored (2,295), and walks (2,190). He was a 10-time All-Star and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot in 2009, receiving 94.8% of votes.

A Charismatic Character

"Rickey wasn't just great. That doesn't say enough for me," said Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. "He's one of the top 10 to 12 players of all time."

Commissioner Rob Manfred proclaimed Henderson "the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting."

His Influence on the Game

Henderson redefined the role of a leadoff hitter, injecting unprecedented offensive power into the traditional base-reaching role. He launched 297 home runs, including a major-league-record 81 to lead off a game.

Beyond the records, Henderson's legacy lies in his boisterous on-field presence. He celebrated home runs with a hop, a jersey tug, and a leisurely trot that became his signature move. His belief that he was "the greatest of all time" was evident in his boastful language and iconic celebrations.

"I was born fast," Henderson would say about his unparalleled speed.

A Life of Baseball Milestones

Born in the Chicago snowstorm of 1958, Henderson attended Oakland Technical High School, joining a legacy of iconic athletes who emerged from the city.

He was drafted by the A's in 1976 and made his major-league debut in 1979. Traded to the New York Yankees in 1984, he brought his showmanship to the Bronx, before returning to Oakland in 1989.

Henderson led the A's to a World Series title in 1989, sweeping the San Francisco Giants in a series marked by the Loma Prieta earthquake.

Unforgettable Moments

Perhaps Henderson's most memorable playoff performance came in the 1989 ALCS against the Blue Jays, when he utterly dominated his opponents.

In 1993, he secured his second championship ring with the Toronto Blue Jays, witnessing Joe Carter's legendary World Series-winning home run from second base.

Legacy of an Icon

Henderson crisscrossed baseball for the final ten seasons of his career, never abandoning his belief that he could still reach the heights of his youth. Part of his aura came from his youthful appearance and dedication to fitness, traits that helped him maintain his athleticism well beyond his 40th birthday.

Tributes have poured in from across the baseball world, honoring the legendary icon who revolutionized the game. Rickey Henderson will forever be remembered as one of the most charismatic and unforgettable players in Major League Baseball history.

KGO-TV staff contributed to this report