'Truly one of a kind': Baseball world reacts to Henderson's passing

'Truly one of a kind': Baseball world reacts to Henderson's passing

4:15 AM UTC

was one of the greatest baseball players of all time -- and he knew it.

MLB's career leader in stolen bases and runs, Henderson played the game with a style and a swagger that made him an iconic figure. On Saturday, the baseball world mourned Henderson as news broke that he has passed away at age 65. Here is what fellow Hall of Famers, former teammates and othershad to say about the legendary leadoff hitter.

Rickey Henderson, 1958-2024:

Fellow Hall of Famers

Dave Winfield, Hall of Fame outfielder
"I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace."

Dennis Eckersley, Hall of Fame pitcher
"I’m very sad about the loss of my friend, teammate and fellow Hall of Famer. We were two Bay Area boys. I was proud to play with him. He was the greatest player I ever played with. I cherished our recent times together both in Cooperstown and at the Oakland Coliseum. My condolences to his family."

Mike Piazza, Hall of Fame catcher
"Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as a teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings. He will be sorely missed. Prayers for his soul and family."

Cal Ripken Jr., Hall of Fame shortstop
"Our thoughts are with Rickey’s family. He brought so much to our game in so many ways and he was an incredible competitor. It’s a sad day for baseball."

Jim Palmer, Hall of Fame pitcher
"So sad to hear of the passing of Rickey Henderson. My condolences to his family , friends, former teammates and fans. Lots of great leadoff hitters have played the game of baseball, but Ricky arguably was the best ever. What a distinction…RIP Rickey."

Frank Thomas, Hall of Fame first baseman
"RIP Rickey Henderson! This is just devastating to our baseball community. Rickey was always the engine to my era. Always joking with us making me laugh constantly. One of the greatest to ever do it all on the field. God Bless his family."

Wade Boggs, Hall of Fame third baseman
"Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson one of the greatest to ever play the game you’ll be dearly missed Brother. RIP Rickey."

Tim Raines, Hall of Fame outfielder
"My profound condolences to the family, friends and teammates on the passing of Rickey Henderson. He was truly a one-of-a-kind talent and an all-time great."

Andre Dawson, Hall of Fame outfielder
"One thing you always got with Rickey was that laugh and that smile."

A’s connections

Dave Stewart, A's teammate from 1989-92, '95
"I can’t explain what someone who was present in every memory, childhood to today, means to me or what it means to cope with having no more tomorrows alongside him. Rickey Henderson was the best ball player many know, but that is nothing in comparison to the brother he is to me."

Jose Canseco, A's teammate from 1989-92
"I’m heartbroken and devastated. Rickey Henderson was an incredibly talented player but an even better human. I’ll never forget all the incredible memories we created together. Memories I’ll never forget. Rest easy my friend."

Sandy Alderson, former General Manager and President of the A’s
"I traded Rickey Henderson twice and brought him back more times than that. He was the best player I ever saw play. He did it all—hit, hit for power, stole bases, and defended—and he did it with a flair that enthused his fans and infuriated his opponents. But everyone was amused by his personality, style, and third-person references to himself. He was unique in many ways. Rickey stories are legion, legendary, and mostly true. But behind his reputation as self-absorbed was a wonderful, kind human being who loved kids. His true character became more evident over time. Nine different teams, one unforgettable player. Sandy gonna miss Rickey."

AJ Hinch, played with Henderson on 1998 A’s
"Heavy heart today with this news. Being teammates with him my rookie year was incredible. The banter was real. The wisdom was endless. I was lucky enough to wear #23 next to his #24 virtually everyday. So many stories coming out of that season. Gonna miss you my man."

Josh Donaldson, 2015 AL MVP
"Sad day Rickey Henderson was an absolute legend!! Loved every second I was around him. R.I.P." More >>

Jonathan Lucroy, two-time All-Star
"Rickey Henderson just passed away. During my time with the Athletics, he had his locker right next to mine. He would come in almost everyday and play cards with the boys. Class act and great dude. I used to mess with him by saying that he was lucky I wasn’t catching when he was trying to steal. I’d have thrown him out. Probably not true but he would say, naw man you would have no chance lol. I also loved talking hitting with him. He was a really smart player. He was a good guy and loved being around the players. Baseball lost a good one today. Legendary player. Prayers and condolences to his family." More >>

Jerry Blevins, 13-year big leaguer
"Rickey Henderson was an incredible man. A legend who was so much more approachable than his image would have you think. From playing cards in the clubhouse to picking his Hall of Fame mind about holding runners, Rickey would share his wealth of knowledge with ease. RIP Rickey." More >>

Josh Reddick, 13-year big leaguer
"I’m heartbroken at the news about the legend Rickey Henderson. To be able to be taught by someone I idolized as a kid, it meant so much that he took time to teach so many of us." More >>

Other former teammates

Don Mattingly, Yankees teammate from 1985-89
"Rickey was simply the best player I ever played with. He could change the outcome of a game in so many ways. It puts a smile on my face just thinking about him. I will miss my friend.”

Ron Guidry, Yankees teammate from 1985-88
“When you’re old and grey, sitting around with your buds talking about your career in baseball, you are going to talk about Rickey. He was just amazing to watch. There were great outfielders. There were great base stealers. There were great home run hitters. Rickey was a combination of all of those players. He did things out there on the field that the rest of us dreamed of.”

Willie Randolph, Yankees teammate from 1985-88
“People always ask me who was the best player I’ve played with. I played with so many tremendous players through the years that I hate picking just one. But pound for pound, Rickey Henderson was the greatest player I ever played with. He possessed so many talents that could positively impact the outcome of a game. I’m going to treasure the memories Rickey and I shared together. He was a special man."

Bobby Valentine, managed Henderson with 1999-2000 Mets
"It was an honor to be in the same uniform with Rickey Henderson. He was the most entertaining and dynamic player I ever saw. R.I.P. Rickey. You were the greatest!" More >>

Other notable figures

CC Sabathia, 19-year big leaguer
"💔 R.I.P to a Bay Area legend!!"

Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Saddened by the passing of our friend, Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter in MLB history! Was proud to induct him into our Hall of Game [sic] in 2015 along with Fergie Jenkins, Ozzie Smith and the late Luis Tiant. Condolences to his family, friends and legion of fans!

Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the Board of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
"Rickey Henderson was not only the greatest base stealer of all time, but one of the most memorable personalities of his generation. The enthusiasm and energy he brought to Cooperstown each year will truly be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife, Pamela, and their family." More >>

Buck Showalter, four-time Manager of the Year
“I played against Rickey when he was with Jersey City in the Eastern League in 1978. He batted .310 but didn’t hit a home run in 133 games. People don’t realize how dedicated he was to being the best he could be. He took great care of his body and was ahead of his time in nutrition and conditioning. In my opinion, he was the best leadoff hitter of all time.

“He was in my first big league camp, and my first time throwing to big league hitters was to his batting group. He had a strike zone the size of a thimble, and I had never seen anyone run the way he did, with powerful strides that were fluid and violent at the same time. As a young coach working with the outfielders, Rickey laughed easily and made me feel comfortable. I can’t believe he’s gone. He was one of a kind.”

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors point guard
“Major shout out, condolences to the entire Henderson family. Growing up, as an adult in the Bay Area, especially what he did in Oakland, it resonates for me in terms of representing the Bay at a legendary, iconic level. Nobody like him.”

Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors head coach
"Bay Area legend, Oakland tech. Obviously, 14 years with the A's. World Series champ. One of the all-time great baseball players. I think one of the all-time great athletes in the history of our country. Just stunning athleticism and a fun baseball player to watch and beloved in the Bay."

Will Clark, six-time All-Star
RIP to one of the funniest guys in baseball!!! More >>

Billy Wagner, seven-time All-Star
"RIP, there will never be anyone like Rickey Henderson. I’m in pure shock. Grew up wanting to be Rickey. Played against him and he was our Mets 1B coach. Truly a great player but a tremendous person. Thank you for Rickey Time." More >>

Ryan Dempster, two-time All-Star
"RIP Legend! Rickey is a part of so many core memories of my youth! Loved the way he played, the greatness he personified and the time he gave me later in life I will always cherish! Fine too soon but never forgotten!" More >>