Baseball Hall of Fame outfielder Rickey Henderson is no longer with us. He passed away on 20 December 2024. The MLB legend’s family confirmed the tragic news with a statement.
The 65-year-old, who was a native of Chicago, Illinois, held the record for the most runs scored and stolen bases in Major League Baseball.
Highlights
- Henderson was born to his parents, Bobbie and John L. Henley. His father passed away when he was around 12.
- Rickey’s mother, Bobbie, influenced his decision to play baseball instead of football to minimize the risk of injury.
- He played in Major League Baseball for 25 years, setting records and being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Henderson’s wife, Pamela, released a statement on Saturday (21 December 2024) saying,
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul.
Rickey Henderson’s wife
On behalf of the entire Henderson family, Pamela said that they “are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt memories from family, friends, and fans – all of which have brought them immense comfort.”
According to People, the baseball legend was battling pneumonia before passing away in Oakland, Calif.
Following the tragic news, condolences and tributes have been pouring in.
Henderson’s former teammate Dave Winfield wrote on Instagram, “I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend. Rest in peace.”
Rickey Henderson Lost His Father John L. Henley When He Was 12 Year-Old
Rickey Henderson was born Rickey Nelson Henley on 25 December 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to his parents, John L. Henley and Bobbie Henley.
The late MLB player was born in the back seat of an Oldsmobile on the way to the hospital. He often joked about it saying,
“I was already fast. I couldn’t wait.”
The late Baseball Hall of Famer was named after the famous singer-actor Ricky Nelson.
The former professional baseball player, active in MLB for 25 seasons, has two siblings, Tyrone and Paula Henderson.
Moreover, he also has other siblings: Alton, Douglas, Glynnes, and John. However, it is unclear who his half-siblings and full-siblings are.
While he didn’t have a troubled childhood, he didn’t spend much time with his mom and dad, and he lost his father before he became a teenager.
The former baseball star was only two years old when his father left home and moved to Oakland, California.
He lived with his grandmother in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, until he turned seven years old.
At age seven, Henderson moved back with his family to Oakland. Unfortunately, his father, John L. Henley, passed away in an automobile accident when Rickey was around 12 years old.
Afterward, Rickey’s mother, Bobbie Henley, remarried Paul Henderson. Rickey was in his junior year of high school at the time.
Eventually, Rickey and his family adopted the Henderson surname.
Henderson’s Mother Pursued Him To Chose Baseball Over Football
Henderson excelled in football and baseball during high school at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland, California.
He was a high school All-American running back. In addition, young Henderson dreamed of playing for Oakland’s other team – the Raiders.
But his mother, Bobbie, persuaded him to turn to baseball. The reason was she didn’t want him to get hurt, and in baseball, he was less likely to get hurt.
Although known for his signature headfirst slides, Henderson played 25 years in Major League Baseball.
As his mom wanted, he largely avoided serious injuries. Only Pete Rose, Carl Yastrzemski, and Hank Aaron reportedly played more games than him.
The late baseball star was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009. During his induction speech, he said, “I guess Mom does know best. Thanks, Mom.”
Rickey Was His Mother’s Pride And Joy
Rickey Henderson’s mother, Bobbie, wanted a girl and hoped it would be.
But she ended up giving birth to a baby boy, Rickey, on Christmas Day, even before she could get to the hospital.
Regardless, Bobbie shared that her son brought her countless sweet memories in an interview just before Rickey’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
R.I.P. Rickey Henderson 🙏 pic.twitter.com/JiR1uI404s
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 21, 2024
Needless to mention how proud Bobbie Henderson felt to witness Rickey being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
She couldn’t even fully express how proud and grateful she was for everything he had achieved.
Bobbie had been with Rickey through all the ups and downs. As Rickey was about to be honored, those who once doubted him had to recognize his talent.
As reported by the Boston Herald, throughout his career, Henderson shared a close bond with his mother. And his mom always believed in his special abilities.
Bobbie had a significant influence on her son’s career. She was present at nearly all of Rickey’s games and celebrated his achievements.
For instance, she was there when Rickey raced through Oakland Technical High School and into professional baseball. She was there when he broke the stolen base record in 1991.
She was there throughout the ’80s, ’90s, and into the new millennium, unapologetically proud, supporting, and cheering him on.
Additional Information
- Henderson’s net worth, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth, is $20 million.
- Rickey Henderson was married to his high school sweetheart, Pamela Palmer, in 1983.
- They have three children together: Alexis, Adrianna, and Angela.
- His daughter, Adrianna, played football as a guard for the New Mexico State Aggies.
