Oakland — The Bay Area mourned the loss of a baseball legend today. Hall of Fame inductee Rickey Henderson, widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter and stolen base player in Major League Baseball history, passed away yesterday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy both on and off the field.
Henderson’s illustrious career spanned 24 seasons in MLB, during which he served as the leadoff hitter for World Series champions, the Oakland A’s, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Known for his electrifying style of play, Henderson became a beloved figure in Oakland, the city where he grew up. After retiring, he returned to the A’s organization as a special instructor at their training camp, remaining a prominent presence with the team ever since.
At the Oakland Coliseum, renamed Rickey Henderson Field in his honor, fans could frequently find him on the field during batting practice. Henderson was known for his warmth and approachability, always taking time to interact with fans, media, and staff alike. His infectious joy and unwavering passion for the game endured through the highs and lows of team drama, a testament to his love for baseball and his genuine, larger-than-life personality.
Statements from Rickey Henderson’s Family, Major League Baseball, the Oakland A’s, and the San Francisco Giants:
Statement from Family:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. 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.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt memories from family, friends, and fans — all of which have brought immense comfort. We also extend our sincere gratitude to MLB, the Oakland A’s, and the incredible doctors and nurses at UCSF who cared for Rickey with dedication and compassion. Your prayers and kindness mean more than words can express.
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.
With gratitude,
Pamela Henderson and his daughters
Statement from Oakland A’s:
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. he was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history and made an indelible mark on generations of A’s fans over his 14 seasons wearing the Green and Gold.
For those who knew him personally, Rickey was much more than a franchise icon and a Baseball Hall of Famer. He was a friend and a mentor to every player, coach, and employee who passed through the Oakland Coliseum or played a game on the field that came to bear his name. We are shocked and heartbroken by his passing. His loss will be felt not only by A’s fans but also by baseball fans across the world. The entire A’s organization sends its sincere condolences to Rickey’s family and loved ones at this time.
Statement from San Francisco Giants:
We are deeply saddened to learn the passing of Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest and most electrifying players to ever play the game of baseball. A true Bay Area legend, Rickey’s larger-than-life personality and love for the game made him a beloved figure across the baseball world. Our thoughts and prayers, deepest condolences go to Rickey’s family, his friends, his teammates, and those whose lives he touched.
Photo by A’s/Twitter
