Rickey Henderson, ‘greatest of all time,’ dies at 65

Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer in Major League Baseball history whose blazing speed, discerning eye and unusual home run power complemented an irrepressible swagger that led him from the sandlots of Oakland, California, to the Baseball Hall of Fame, died Friday. He was 65.

The Henderson family released a statement Saturday evening confirming the Hall of Famer’s death.

“A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul,” the statement from his wife Pamela and his three daughters read. “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 family did not announce a cause of death but did thank the doctors and nurses at UCSF hospital, which they said cared for Henderson with “dedication and compassion.”

With a fearless, flamboyant style of play, which thrilled some players and fans thirsting for theatrical energy from a sport known for its staidness and irritated others who believed the iconoclastic approach to the game disrespected old traditions, Henderson broke boundaries alongside reams of records during a 25-year career spent with nine teams.

In a sport that relies on the historical consistency of its numbers, Henderson obliterated the record book, owning the all-time stolen-base record with 1,406, an astounding 468 more than the St. Louis Cardinals great Lou Brock, who held the record of 938 for a dozen years before…