Sad News, Rickey Henderson Passes

[Mike D.]

Just days before his famous Christmas birthday. Very sad and shocking news, as he was only 65. RIP.

The Top 5 Rickey Henderson Rookie & Early Career Cards

[rjackson44]

Rip rickey

[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.

[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"

[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.