Baseball Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson dead at 65

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Rickey Henderson, MLB's greatest base stealer and widely considered its greatest leadoff hitter, has died at the age of 65.

Henderson was a 10-time All-Star, spending the majority of his 25-year career with the Oakland Athletics.

Henderson, who would have turned 66 Christmas Day, was reportedly battling pneumonia.

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Former Oakland Athletics star Rickey Henderson before a game between the A's and the St. Louis Cardinals at the Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., April 15, 2024.  (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)

Henderson is also the all-time leader in runs scored. He was named the American League MVP in 1990 after leading the AL with a 1.016 OPS, 65 stolen bases and 119 runs scored. 

He also played for the Yankees, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels and Dodgers.

Henderson's wife, Pamela, confirmed her husband's death in a statement.

"A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. 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," Pamela said.

"For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all-time," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. 

"He also made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. Rickey epitomized speed, power and entertainment in