Henderson: Man Of Steal
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Matthew Kennedy
Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest baseball players of all time, passed away on December 20th, just days before his 65th birthday, after battling pneumonia. But the “Man of Steal’s legacy will endure forever in the world of sports. A first-ballot Hall of Famer and the all-time leader in both stolen bases and runs scored, Henderson spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Athletics, where he set the record for single-season stolen bases with 130 and helped lead the team to a World Series title in 1989.
Few players dominated the game like Rickey. When his team needed a run, he could often create one almost single-handedly. In addition to his legendary on-base and stolen-base abilities, Henderson had an extraordinary knack for taking extra bases on balls hit to both the infield and outfield—advancing where other speedsters would be held up. He broke up countless double plays, tagged up relentlessly, and stole third base more often than most Hall of Famers stole any base in their entire careers. This unique blend of skill and daring made him a constant threat on the basepaths and one of the most singularly dominant players in baseball history.
Rickey wasn’t just a menace on the basepaths: He was also the greatest leadoff hitter of all time. A member of the coveted 3,000-hit club with a career .401 on-base percentage, Henderson was one of the most prolific hitters ever to play the game. Though not primarily known for his power, he holds the record for the most leadoff home runs (81) in MLB history. He was also an exceptional defensive left fielder during his prime, showcasing elite range and saving countless runs.
In total, Henderson played for nine MLB teams, including both New York franchises. He spent the second-most time with the Yankees, playing four and a half seasons in pinstripes during the 1980s, in the midst of his prime. During his time in the Bronx, Henderson led the league in stolen bases three times and was an All-Star in every full season he played. In 1985, he set the Yankees’ single-season stolen base record with 80, then broke his own mark twice—culminating in 93 stolen bases in 1988, a record that still stands. He finished his Yankees career with 326 stolen bases, a franchise record that stood until Derek Jeter broke it in 2011—accomplishing the feat in over 2,000 more games played with the team.
After leaving Oakland following his fourth and final stint with his original team, the 40-year-old Henderson, already the all-time steals leader, signed with the Mets. Despite his age, he impressed by hitting .315 and helping the Mets reach the NLCS. To the dismay of many fans, Henderson was released by the Mets midway through the 2000 season.
Rickey Henderson’s legacy and his immeasurable impact on millions of baseball fans and players will never be forgotten. He holds perhaps the most unbreakable record in all of sports— 1406 stolen bases, a whopping 468 more than the player with the next most. He remains a towering figure in the sport, a testament to unmatched talent, determination, and the art of playing baseball like no one else could.
Recent Comments