The shocking death of MLB legend Rickey Henderson came after a battle with pneumonia, it was revealed on Saturday.
The baseball world is mourning the loss of Henderson – widely regarded as the greatest lead-off hitter in the history of the sport – following his tragic death at the age of 65.
According to TMZthe two-time World Series champion was treated in hospital for pneumonia before dying in Oakland on Friday.
The Oakland native was drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 MLB Draft by the A’s, for whom he ultimately played four times.
After a stint with the New York Yankees, he helped Oakland claim its first World Series in 25 years during the 1989 season before adding another to his own collection four years later with the Toronto Blue Jays.
He also enjoyed stints with the Anaheim Angels (now known as the LA Angels), the Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox, as well as two with the San Diego Padres, before eventually retiring as an LA Dodger.
The shocking death of baseball legend Rickey Henderson came after a battle with pneumonia
The baseball world is mourning the loss of Henderson, who died Friday at the age of 65
During his 24-year career, Henderson had three seasons with at least 20 home runs and 65 stolen bases.
The other 23,369 players in MLB history have four between them.
The ten-time All-Star recorded more than 3,055 hits and 297 home runs with a batting average of .279, while also holding the all-time record for runs scored with 2,295.
His wife Pamela released a statement via Athletics’ social media accounts on Saturday evening, saying: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, father, 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 and cherishes the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support and heartfelt memories from family, friends and fans – all of which have brought tremendous comfort. We also extend our sincere thanks 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. During this difficult time, we kindly ask for your respect and privacy as we adjust to life without Rickey and hold on to the legacy he left for us all.”
The two-time World Series champion is widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter ever
After the news broke, tributes poured in from across Major League Baseball X as stars mourned his passing.
“Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest to ever play the game, you will be dearly missed brother RIP Rickey,” wrote Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs.
Another Hall of Famer and former teammate of Henderson’s, Dave Winfield, shared a photo of them together on Instagram and wrote, “I still can’t believe I lost one of my favorite teammates and good friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.’
“Super Sky Point to Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff man and base stealer to ever step foot on a baseball diamond. I’m baffled. Some guys seem bigger than mortality. Rickey was one of them,” one user captioned a photo of Henderson holding a stolen base.