Rickey Henderson, baseball's stolen base king, has died

In Oakland, California, baseball icon Rickey Henderson passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia. Widely celebrated as the greatest leadoff hitter in Major League Baseball history, he holds the record for the most career stolen bases with 1,406, as well as having 2,295 runs scored and 81 leadoff home runs, showcasing his exceptional talent. Henderson's illustrious career spanned 25 seasons in which he played for nine teams, including the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays, earning numerous accolades such as ten All-Star selections and two World Series championships. Born on December 25, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, his family relocated to Oakland when he was two. Henderson began his professional career with the Oakland Athletics in 1979, quickly establishing himself as an extraordinary player. His relentless pursuit of excellence transformed the role of leadoff hitter, showing that this position could have significant influence on game dynamics. Henderson's playing style, known for its flair and confidence, captivated fans and left a lasting impression on the sport. He was known for his ability to get on base and steal bases at an unprecedented rate. His extraordinary achievements, including setting a single-season record of 130 stolen bases in 1982, coupled with his vibrant personality, made him both a fan favorite and a polarizing figure in the game. He soon became synonymous with base stealing, earning the nickname