The tributes continue to pour in from throughout the baseball world for Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, who would have turned 66 on Christmas Day. The all-time stolen base leader played for nine teams in his 25-year career, including the Mets in 1999-2000.
“For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all time. He also made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. He epitomized speed, power and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup. When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind.
Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickey’s family, his friends and former teammates, A’s fans and baseball fans everywhere.”
“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 ballplayer many know, but that is nothing in comparison to the brother he is to me.”
“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.”
“I truly cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.”
“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.”
“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.”
“It was an honor to be in the same uniform with Rickey Henderson. He was the most entertaining and dynamic player I ever saw. RIP Rickey. You were the greatest!”
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
“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.”
“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 cherish the memories Rickey and I shared together. He was a special man.”
“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.”
Associated Press file photos
“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.”
“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.”
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind.”
The Man of Steal … and so much more.
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