An Icon of the Diamond and a Master of Speed

Rickey Henderson, Hall of Famer and all-time stolen base leader in MLB history, has passed away at the age of 65, according to reports from U.S. outlets like Fox and New York Times this Saturday.

Although the cause of his death, which occurred on Friday, has not been disclosed, it was reported that Henderson had been hospitalized in Oakland receiving medical treatment.

Among those who have expressed their condolences is Mike Piazza, another Hall of Famer and former teammate of Henderson with the New York Mets. "Rickey Henderson was a dream to bat behind as a teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, funny, and kind human beings… We will miss him deeply… Prayers for his soul and his family," Piazza wrote on his X social media account.

A Career of Records and Glory

During a remarkable 25-year career in MLB, Rickey Henderson played for the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Anaheim Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Henderson concluded his career as the all-time leader in runs scored (2,295) and stolen bases (1,406). His unmatched speed led him to achieve three seasons with 100 or more stolen bases, including a record-breaking 130 steals in 1982.

Over the course of his career, he led the league in stolen bases 13 times and was the leader in runs scored five times. In his 3,081 games, Henderson posted a batting average of .279, hit 297 home runs, drove in 1,115 runs, and amassed 3,055 hits, earning him a spot in the exclusive 3,000-hit club.

A Champion on and off the Field
On the team level, Henderson celebrated World Series championships in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics and in 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Individually, he was named the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1990, after hitting .325 with 28 home runs, 61 RBIs, 119 runs scored, and 65 stolen bases. He was also the MVP of the 1989 Championship Series, with an outstanding .400 batting average, two home runs, five RBIs, and eight runs scored.

A Lasting Legacy
The baseball immortal was a 10-time MLB All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger winner, and earned a Gold Glove for his defensive excellence.

The legacy of Rickey Henderson, as one of the greatest players in baseball history, will remain unforgettable. His speed, skill on the field, and charisma off it make him an eternal icon of the sport.