Rickey Henderson (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Rickey Henderson has sadly passed away at the age of 65. The legendary MLB Hall of Famer took his last breath this weekend before he was put to rest. While he will always be remembered as one of the game’s greatest, most will remember him for his long baseball career.

As the news of Rickey’s passing spread, many people were left wondering about the cause of his death, which was not initially available. As news developed, it was later found out that the former baseball great died after a battle with pneumonia, per TMZ.

Henderson holds records for most stolen bases, leadoff home runs, and runs scored. He was widely known for being the greatest leadoff hitter in the game. He left behind a decorated 25-year baseball career, including playing for nine teams.

Despite playing for multiple franchises, his heart was always with the Oakland Athletics, where he spent 14 seasons and became a true icon. With 3,055 career hits and a reputation as a 10-time All-Star, it’s easy to see why he was inducted into the Hall of Fame on his first try.

During his long career, he posted a .279 batting average, an impressive .401 on-base percentage, a slugging percentage of .419, and an OPS of .820. Henderson also hit 510 doubles and 297 home runs, proving he could hit for power, too. One of his most remarkable stats is 2,190 walks, which ranks him second all-time in that category. He scored an amazing 2,295 runs and set a record that still stands. Rickey changed the game for leadoff hitters.

Saddened MLB Fans Shared Heartwarming Feelings On Rickey Henderson’s Passing

As soon as the news was published and spread on social media, fans searched for what led to Henderson’s tragic passing. Once they found out, his fans worldwide paid homage to the legend.

“Rickey Just Stole Heaven,” an enthusiastic fan commented.

“Straight up legend! Didn’t mention multiple seasons with 100+ stolen bases before the pitch clock bs. I spent years studying his first move to second and third while trying to read a pitchers expression that he was going home with a pitch. Ricky was the very best that ever was and will be at stealing bases. The real man of steal,” another fan added.

“Greatest base stealer and leadoff hitter of all-time. RIP Rickey Henderson,” a user added.

“Hopefully they honor him in the new stadium!” a fan had something unique to say.

“God, Ricky Henderson dead at 65. A legendary person and personality. Truly one of the best ever. But to die so young, 65 from pneumonia? He took amazing care of his body. It begs to ask if something else contributed?  Rest in peace, to the best base thief of all time. Be careful Mr. Henderson, in heavens baseball game they can throw over more than twice and the bases aren’t the size of pizza boxes,” former MLB pitcher Seth McClung wrote on X(formerly Twitter).

“His runs and stolen bases records will never be broken. RIP Rickey,” another fan commented.

However, fans and experts would also like to see all his records stand still so that he may remain the greatest he was.