Rickey Henderson: Baseball
Rickey Nelson Henley Henderson (born December 25, 1958) is an African American former professional baseball player best known for setting a record for the most stolen bases in major league baseball in 1991. Henderson is considered as “The Man of Steal” for being baseball’s greatest leadoff hitter and base runner. He was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 4th round of the 1976 amateur draft.
Rickey Henderson played for nine teams – Oakland Athletics (1979 – 1984), New York Yankees (1985 – 1989), Oakland Athletics (1989 – 1993), Toronto Blue Jays (1993), Oakland Athletics (1994 – 1995), San Diego Padres (1996 – 1997), Anaheim Angels (1997), Oakland Athletics (1998), New York Mets (1999, 2000), Seattle Mariners (2000), San Diego Padres (2001), Boston Red Sox (2002) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2003).
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Henderson’s major league records include a total of 1,406 career stolen bases, 2,295 career runs, 81 career lead-off home runs and 130 stolen bases. He was part of the MLB All-Star ten times, a two-time World Series Champion, became the MVP of the leagues in 1989, received a Gold Glove Award in 1981, a twelve-time stolen base champion, an NL Comeback Player of the Year in 1999 and a three-time Silver Slugger Award.
Why Was He So Good?
Rickey Henderson was known to have a high on-base percentage, power hitting and stolen base and run totals made him one of the most self-motivated players of his era. He was also recognized for his passion for the sport and a cheerful, unconventional and quotable character that both confounded and amused fans.
What You May Not Know
- During high school, Henderson enjoyed playing baseball, basketball and football. He was also an All-American running back with a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He ran track but didn’t continue because it clashed with baseball schedule.
- He received scholarships to play football. Although he wanted to play for the Oakland Raiders since his childhood, he turned down the scholarships because his mother told him that football players had only short careers.
- Rickey Henderson married Pamela, his high-school sweetheart. They have three children: Angela, Alexis and Adrianna.
- In 2006, the New York Mets hired him to be a special instructor to hitters and teach them base stealing. In 2007, he replaced Howard Johnson and became the first base coach.
Related Pages
- More great baseball players
- Who is the greatest baseball player of all time?
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of baseball
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