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Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Rickey Henderson's Family, Oakland A's Release Statements On His Passing

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Dec 21, 2024 6:17 PM ET

Baseball lost a legend on Saturday as Hall of Fame first baseman and MLB steals king Rickey Henderson passed away. He was 65 years old.

A short while ago, Henderson's widow Pamela Henderson and their daughters released a statement on his passing. Mrs. Henderson called Rickey "a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul." She thanked his many fans, Major League Baseball, the Oakland A's and the many people who treated him in his final days for all of their support in caring for him.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. 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," the family said in a statement.

"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt memories from family, friends, and fans — all of which have brought immense comfort. We also extend our sincere gratitude to MLB, the Oakland A's, and the incredible doctors and nurses at UCSF who cared for Rickey with dedication and compassion. Your prayers and kindness mean more than words can express.

"In this difficult time, we kindly ask for your respect and privacy as we adjust to life without Rickey, holding on to the legacy he left for all of us.

"With gratitude, Pamela Henderson and his daughters."

Statement from the Henderson Family:

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. 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…
— Athletics (@Athletics) December 21, 2024

The A's subsequently released their own statement, calling him "one of the greatest baseball players of all-time" and "a franchise icon."

"Rickey Henderson is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. His on-field accomplishments speak for themselves, and his records will forever stand atop baseball history. He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history and made an indelible mark on generations of A’s fans over his 14 seasons wearing the Green and Gold," the team said.

"For those who knew him personally, Rickey was much more than a franchise icon and a Baseball Hall of Famer. He was a friend and mentor to every player, coach, and employee who passed through the Oakland Coliseum or played a game on the field that came to bear his name.

"We are shocked and heartbroken by his passing. His loss will be felt not only by A’s fans but also by baseball fans around the world. The entire A's organization sends its sincere condolences to Rickey’s family and loved ones at this time."

Henderson holds the MLB's all-time records for steals, runs and single-season steals. He played for nearly 25 seasons and won countless individual accolades along with two World Series titles for the A's.

In 2009, Henderson was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, getting in with a whopping 94.8-percent of the vote.

Our hearts go out to Henderson's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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