Last Updated: May 23rd, 2024 by Michael Schatz
There’s never been a player like Rickey Henderson. He played the game with a confidence and swag that was unrivaled. And he had the talent to back it up. The self-proclaimed “greatest of all time” wasn’t making that up; he really is the greatest base stealer of all time.
From his record-shattering steals to his unforgettable consistency, Henderson’s career was an electrifying spectacle filled with amazing moments.
The Call to The Show in 1979
In June of 1979, Rickey Henderson made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics at the age of 20. Playing in 89 games, Rickey hit a respectable .274 with 26 RBIs and an impressive 33 steals and 49 runs scored. This small sample size was just the first taste of what was to come.
1982: Single-Season Stolen Base Record
Rickey Henderson recorded 100 steals in just his second Major League season in 1980. After leading the American League in steals in 1981, Henderson took it up a notch in 1982. That year, he set the modern-day record by swiping an incredible 130 bags. He was caught only 42 times, giving him a 75% success rate.
Winning it All in ’89
The 1989 Oakland A’s were a powerhouse. And the head of the snake was Rickey Henderson. After spending 5 season with the Yankees, he was traded back to the A’s in the summer of ’89 and the rest is history. In the ALCS against the Blue Jays, Henderson hit .400 with a ridiculous .609 OBP in the A’s 4-1 series win. He also stole 8 bags without being caught. Those numbers earned him the ALCS MVP.
And he didn’t stop there. In the World Series against the Giants, Rickey hit .474, leading the A’s to a sweep over the Giants.
American League MVP
Rickey Henderson was already a superstar by the 1990 season, but that year he cemented himself as one of the best players in the league. Fresh off a World Series victory, he hit .325 with 28 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 65 stolen bases. His 119 runs and .439 OBP led all of baseball. Those gaudy numbers earned Rickey his first and only American League MVP.
Breaking Lou Brock’s Career Stolen Base Record
On May 1, 1991, Rickey Henderson accomplished what many saw coming for years; he passed Lou Brock for number one on the all-time MLB stolen base list. His 939th stolen base officially made Rickey the greatest base stealer in the game – and also gave us one of the best in-game speeches of all time.
Winning Another Ring With the Jays
After joining the Blue Jays midseason in 1993, Rickey Henderson quickly became a vital asset. His speed was the perfect addition to an already powerful lineup. Rickey would play a vital role in helping the Jays repeat as World champs after defeating the Phillies in 6 games. Although Rickey only hit .227, he still had an on-base percentage of .393 and scored 6 runs.
The All-Time World Stolen Base Holder
After claiming the MLB record for stolen bases, Rickey Henderson wanted more. He got it on July 16, 1993, when he stole his 1,066th base. That set a new world stolen base record, passing the previous record of Japanese baseball legend Yutaka Fukumoto.
Joining the 3,000 Hit Club
On October 7, 2001, while playing for the San Diego Padres, Rickey smoked a John Thomson pitch for a double, giving him his 3,000th career hit. One of the best lead-off hitters ever, Rickey would finish with 3,055 hits in his illustrious career.
Career Records Holder for Runs Scored and Stolen Bases
When Rickey Henderson got on base there was a very good chance that he was going to steal and then score. And he did both of those better than anyone has ever done them in baseball history. His 2,295 runs scored and 1,406 stolen bases are both all-time records – and very well may never be broken.
And for good measure, Rickey also holds the record for most leadoff home runs with 81.
Induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009
Rickey Henderson didn’t have to wait long to get his call to The Hall. On his first ballot in 2009, Rickey received an overwhelming 94.8% of the votes, earning him his place amongst the game’s best.
For his career, Rickey Henderson finished with a .279 average, .401 OBP, 3,055 hits, 297 home runs, 2,295 runs scored, 1,406 stolen bases, an MVP, 10 All-Star games, a Gold Glove, 3 Silver Sluggers and two World Series rings.