Sad News, Rickey Henderson Passes

[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..

[D. Bergin]

Rickey had a certain thing I've never seen in any other prolific base stealer that I can't quite put my finger on.

He'd get on base any way he could....bunt, walk, forced error, chop hit, or HR.

He'd get into a pitchers head, any way he could...1st inning or 9th. He'd force balks, he'd make that pitcher pay attention to him, instead of the batter the pitcher was facing...he'd mesmerize the entire infield to pay attention to him and him alone.

Maybe it was just a childhood hallucination, but I swear I've seen him fake a bunt and hit a HR instead....possibly more then once...

It's not a coincidence that Don Mattingly had 145 RBI's and won an MVP Award overwhelmingly, the 1st season a fully motivated Rickey came to the Yanks. A season which in statistical hindsight, Rickey accumulated a full 3.4 WAR more then Mattingly, in 16 less games played.

[SyrNy1960]

Truly sad! RIP Rickey Henderson ⚾️

[Fred]

Only 65. IMHO, Leadoff GOAT.

RIP

[marzoumanian]

As others have said, what a shock. A sweet guy. My favorite Rickey story is when he received a one million dollar check from the Yankees. It was never cashed so the Yankees called him about it. He told them he had framed it and put it on his wall.
I will never forget when he stole 130 bases (I believe) in 1982. It was so exciting. Thank you, Rickey, for giving baseball such a charge. We are all forever grateful. RIP.

[Fred]

Originally Posted by marzoumanian

As others have said, what a shock. A sweet guy. My favorite Rickey story is when he received a one million dollar check from the Yankees. It was never cashed so the Yankees called him about it. He told them he had framed it and put it on his wall.
I will never forget when he stole 130 bases (I believe) in 1982. It was so exciting. Thank you, Rickey, for giving baseball such a charge. We are all forever grateful. RIP.

That's also one of my favorite Rickey memories/stories. He was approachable and didn't mind signing for the kids. Just an incredible lead off talent.

[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