Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
When Joe Carter launched that World Series-winning home run into the Toronto night in 1993, guess who was dancing off second base, making the pitcher nervous? Rickey Henderson, of course. That’s the thing about baseball’s greatest leadoff hitter and base-stealer – he was everywhere history was made, usually creating it himself. From revolutionizing the leadoff spot to turning walks into doubles, Henderson didn’t just play baseball; he rewrote its rules with a swagger that made the ’80s and ’90s much more entertaining. Here are ten moments that made Rickey, well, Rickey.
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The Day Rickey Stole Lou Brock’s Crown (Base #939)
On May 1, 1991, at Oakland Coliseum, Henderson slid into third base against the Yankees to break Lou Brock’s all-time stolen base record. After pulling the base out of the ground, he hoisted it above his head and declared, “Today, I am the greatest of all time!” The beautiful part? Not a soul in baseball disagreed.
Breaking Brock’s Single-Season Mark (130 and Counting)
On August 27, 1982, Henderson swiped his 119th base of the season, breaking Lou Brock’s single-season record. He didn’t stop there, finishing the season with an astronomical 130 stolen bases – a record that stands today and likely will forever. The most remarkable part? He was caught stealing only 42 times all season.
Five Steals Off Randy Johnson (Without a Single Hit)
On July 29, 1989, Henderson put on a baserunning clinic against one of the most intimidating pitchers in history. Without recording a single hit, he drew four walks off the Big Unit, stole five bases, and scored four runs. It remains one of the most remarkable displays of how Henderson could dominate a game without putting the ball in play.
The Leadoff Homer Record Nobody Will Touch
Henderson finished his career with 81 leadoff home runs, a record that stands far above his closest competitor. More than just first-inning homers, these were psychological weapons that told pitchers and managers: the game plan you spent all night working on? It’s already blown up.
Three Steals, One Game, World Series History (1989)
In Game 2 of the 1989 World Series against the Giants, Henderson stole three bases in a single game – a feat no one had accomplished in a World Series game since 1907. The A’s would go on to sweep their Bay Area rivals in what became known as the Earthquake Series.
‘Rickey Gone!’ – The Will Clark Showdown
While this didn’t affect any regular-season games, it still showed Rickey at his best. The Giants and A’s were playing a Spring Training game, and to hear Will Clark tell it on a podcast, Rickey was on first and antsy because Tony La Russa had told him to stay there to let the No. 2 and No. 3 hitters see some pitches. Clark egged Henderson on, telling him to steal. The Oakland speedster told Clark, “Rickey gone!” and took off on the next pitch. The story was punctuated by Clark exuberantly standing up with both fingers pointing out. “I told you, Thrill! Rickey gone!” as the hosts and audience nearly fell out of their chairs laughing.
2001: Mr. 3000 at Age 42 (A Graceful Exit)
In his final season with the Padres, Henderson laced a double for his 3,000th hit. While known for his flair for the dramatic, Henderson showed rare humility that day, choosing not to overshadow Tony Gwynn’s final game, exiting right after that. It was a moment that showed both his greatness and grace.
When He Talked About Rickey in the Third Person
Henderson’s third-person declarations weren’t just quirky – they were psychological warfare. “Rickey don’t like it” became more than a catchphrase; it was a mindset that helped him redefine what a leadoff hitter could be. As he once famously said, “Rickey’s got a lot of moves, and they all start with Rickey.”
The 1989 ALCS: Toronto’s Worst Nightmare
Henderson turned the 1989 ALCS against Toronto into his personal highlight reel, batting.400 with eight stolen bases while being named series MVP. The Blue Jays tried everything to stop him – pitchouts, slide steps, pickoff moves – but Rickey was unstoppable as Oakland swept their way to the World Series.
Terrorizing Boston in the 1990 ALCS Sweep
In the 1990 ALCS, Henderson put on a clinic against the Red Sox, batting .294 across the four-game sweep. He tormented Boston pitchers with two stolen bases while scoring a run. The series demonstrated how one player’s speed and power could completely dismantle a playoff opponent.