Reaction of the Baseball Community to the Death of Rickey Henderson
As word spread on Saturday of the passing of baseball legend Rickey Henderson, former teammates, players, and others associated with the sport shared their condolences and memories.
Henderson, a 10-time All-Star and the record holder for stolen bases, passed away on Friday at the age of 65 after battling pneumonia, according to multiple reports.
MLB commissioner Robert D. Manfred stated, \"For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the benchmark for base stealing and leadoff hitting. He was a beloved and accomplished member of the Athletics, and also made a significant impact with other teams during his 25-year career. Rickey embodied speed, power, and entertainment as a leadoff hitter. When considering new rules for the game in recent years, we looked to the era of Rickey Henderson for inspiration.\"
Manfred continued, \"Rickey earned universal respect, admiration, and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest sympathies to Rickey's family, friends, former teammates, A's fans, and baseball fans everywhere.\"
Known for his unwavering love for the game, the \"Man of Steal\" was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Fellow Hall of Famer Wade Boggs expressed his condolences, acknowledging that Henderson will be greatly missed.
Statement from the New York Yankees:
Rickey Henderson was an all-time great player who commanded our attention like few players before or since, transcending our traditional understanding of how elite and thrilling a single player could be in in the batter's box and on the... pic.twitter.com/qeduKLmoUO
The Raiders Family mourns the passing of Rickey Henderson. pic.twitter.com/cbrNd1RgBN
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) December 21, 2024
Absolutely devastated to hear that Rickey Henderson passed away! Prayers to his family. Truly grateful I was able to pick his brain and just soak up a little bit of the knowledge he passed on. Sad day in sports, but legends never die! Rest easy Man of Steal. pic.twitter.com/sq4bA11ex1
— Cameron Maybin (@CameronMaybin) December 21, 2024
There has never been a more dynamic baseball player, an almost impossible combination of speed, power, and flair. Rest in peace, Rickey Henderson. You most certainly were the greatest of all time. pic.twitter.com/P2uUIWPgcx
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 21, 2024
