Sad News, Rickey Henderson Passes

[jingram058]

Shocking to say the least. Very sad. RIP...

[Kzoo]

Wow, my favorite player to collect while growing up. RIP Rickey!

[brunswickreeves]

RIP Rickey, may you forever live in the field of dreams.

[Beercan collector]

A game always got better once he drew a walk

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by Beercan collector

A game always got better once he drew a walk.

Precisely! That's what's missing from the game these days and it's very sadly missed. Mayhem on the base paths adds immeasurably to the game.

[Collectorsince62]

Very early in Rickey's career he was an autograph guest at a show in St. Louis. I was helping out in some small capacity and ended up sitting near him before the signings began. Johnny Mize was also signing that day. I think everyone expected Henderson to be too cool for the room, but he turned out to be a great guest. I sat in amazement as Rickey asked Mize about hitting. The Big Cat talked for quite a while and Rickey hung on every word. It was inspiring to see an already successful young superstar eager to learn from a great player 45 years his senior.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

For all his hilarious Rickeyisms, he was truly a genius on the diamond. What a wonderful story regarding Mize. It goes to prove that the best are forever learning, always students.

Rickey would have made for a very interesting manager if only he could have learned English! . Imagine Rickey as manager with Yogi as a coach. What I would have given to be at those press meetings.

[docpatlv]

Originally Posted by Collectorsince62

Very early in Rickey's career he was an autograph guest at a show in St. Louis. I was helping out in some small capacity and ended up sitting near him before the signings began. Johnny Mize was also signing that day. I think everyone expected Henderson to be too cool for the room, but he turned out to be a great guest. I sat in amazement as Rickey asked Mize about hitting. The Big Cat talked for quite a while and Rickey hung on every word. It was inspiring to see an already successful young superstar eager to learn from a great player 45 years his senior.

I think I was at that show as well, I still have the Rickey and Mize autos from that day. I’m positive that Lou Brock was signing as well, do you remember? I think it was 1982.

[gonefishin]

Wow - RIP Rickey. You sure made a lot of people smile and laugh while you were here.

[Kawika]

Lived in the Bay Area in the 1980s and went to a lot of A's games. The team was loaded with talent with Rickey Henderson leading the pack. What an exciting player he was. Shocked to learn of his passing. A sad day.

[tiger8mush]

He certainly added an exciting element to the game.
RIP "Man of Steal"

[Brian]

Very sad to hear this. Long may you run, Rickey, and condolences to the family.

[JollyElm]

Damn!!!! I just taped part of an SGC Blind Reveal video where I was talking about what an absolute menace he was on the basepaths and how much he changed the game. Wow, just shocked. RIP Rickey.

[D. Bergin]

Oh Wow! Loved his time on the Yanks. Maybe the funnest player to ever watch play the game. Baseball turned into a white knuckle video game whenever he came up to the plate and got on base......however he decided to get on base...if he didn't just decide to launch a HR instead.

Say what you want about him. Big Ego! Sometimes ignorant of baseball etiquette! Clubhouse disruptor! Sometimes got bored too easily and would seemingly fall into pouting sessions..........whatever.

The man LOVED to play baseball, as evidenced by his 3 years of Independent League ball in his mid-40's, after MLB was done with him.

Age 45 in the Atlantic League he stole 37 bases in 39 attempts in 91 games. Had a .462 OBP that season, LOL.

I've been to Atlantic League games. It's not bad baseball. Mostly older experienced guys who are no longer considered prospects, but were mostly still very productive players in the farm systems they came out of. Lots of former Quad A type players and former Major Leaguers.

[bmattioli]

Everyone loves Ricky.. RIP..

[mrreality68]

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

Oh Wow! Loved his time on the Yanks. Maybe the funnest player to ever watch play the game. Baseball turned into a white knuckle video game whenever he came up to the plate and got on base......however he decided to get on base...if he didn't just decide to launch a HR instead.

Say what you want about him. Big Ego! Sometimes ignorant of baseball etiquette! Clubhouse disruptor! Sometimes got bored too easily and would seemingly fall into pouting sessions..........whatever.

The man LOVED to play baseball, as evidenced by his 3 years of Independent League ball in his mid-40's, after MLB was done with him.

Age 45 in the Atlantic League he stole 37 bases in 39 attempts in 91 games. Had a .462 OBP that season, LOL.

I've been to Atlantic League games. It's not bad baseball. Mostly older experienced guys who are no longer considered prospects, but were mostly still very productive players in the farm systems they came out of. Lots of former Quad A type players and former Major Leaguers.

Saw him in the Atlantic League. Blessed for my kids were able to see him play and he was vintage Ricky the way he has that “snapping catch”/flick of wrist/glove after catching the ball.
And he still hustled when he played
One of my favorite players
Passed so young.
Will be missed
RIP