Rickey Henderson, recognized as Major League Baseball's all-time leader in stolen bases, has passed away at the age of 65, as announced by his family on Saturday. Henderson's illustrious career included 10 All-Star selections, one MVP award, two World Series championships, three Silver Slugger titles, and one Gold Glove during his time with several teams, including the Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Anaheim Angels, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Throughout his career, he maintained a lifetime batting average of .279 with an on-base percentage of .401, accumulating 3,055 hits, 297 home runs, 1,155 RBIs, 2,295 runs scored (a record in MLB history), and 1,406 stolen bases.

Henderson’s dominance on the base paths is reflected in his record for stolen bases, as he led the American League in that category for 12 different seasons. The player closest to him in career stolen bases is Lou Brock, who recorded 938 steals, nearly 500 behind Henderson. His remarkable achievement of 130 stolen bases in the 1982 season still stands as the single-season record in the modern era, while Hugh Nichol’s all-time record of 138 stolen bases in 1887 remains unmatched. Beyond his statistical accomplishments, Henderson was a dynamic force on the field, known for his speed and electrifying presence, establishing himself as one of the greatest leadoff hitters in baseball history.

Tributes began to pour in following the announcement of Henderson's passing, highlighting his impact on the game of baseball. The Oakland Athletics commented, 'Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and his records will forever stand atop baseball history. He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history.' The New York Yankees expressed similar sentiments, stating, '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.' Throughout his 25-year career, Henderson was also honored as a 10-time All-Star, a 3-time Silver Slugger Award recipient, a 2-time World Series champion, and the 1990 American League MVP. Known affectionately as the 'Man of Steal,' Henderson's blend of speed, power, and flair has left an indelible mark on the sport.