Rickey Henderson, one of the crucial thrilling and colourful gamers in Main League Baseball historical past, has died. He was 65.
A reason behind loss of life has but to be divulged to the media.
Henderson was a no brainer Corridor of Fame choice after being thought of the best lead-off hitter within the storied historical past of the MLB. He broke all-time MLB data for stolen bases [1406], runs scored [2,295] and unintentional walks [2,129].
The person with sprinter velocity performed for an astonishing 25 years throughout which he stole probably the most bases an unprecedented 10 occasions and crossed the 100 stolen base threshold thrice, one in every of solely two to ever have achieved that feat.
Born in Chicago and raised in Oakland, Henderson was a multi-sports star in soccer, monitor and baseball, the latter being his favourite sport. That’s why he turned down a number of scholarships to play soccer and signed with the Oakland Athletics once they chosen him within the fourth spherical of the draft.
From there the legend and larger-than-life persona was born. He was simply inducted into the Baseball Corridor of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
“That’s one thing I all the time needed to be,” Henderson mentioned. “And now that the Affiliation has voted me into the Baseball Corridor of Fame, my journey as a participant is full.
“I’m now within the class of the best gamers of all time. And at this second, I’m very, very humble.”
A mess of teammates and baseball luminaries paid homage to Henderson.
“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 crucial beneficiant, hysterical and gracious human beings. He might be sorely missed,” mentioned fellow legend Mike Piazza, in line with the Oakland Tribune.
“We have been two Bay Space boys. I used to be proud to play with him. He was the best participant I ever performed with. I cherished our current occasions collectively each in Cooperstown and on the Oakland Coliseum. My condolences to his household,” penned former pitcher Dennis Eckersley, one other Corridor of Famer.
“Saddened by the passing of our good friend, Rickey Henderson, the best leadoff hitter in MLB historical past! Was proud to induct him into our Corridor of Sport in 2015 together with Fergie Jenkins, Ozzie Smith and the late Luis Tiant. Condolences to his household, mates and legion of followers,” mentioned Negro League Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick.