The renowned Major League Baseball player Rickey Henderson a.k.a the ‘greatest base stealer’ has been confirmed dead by MLB on Saturday, as he passed away at the age of 65.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred called Henderson the “gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting” in a statement that mourned the loss of the iconic player. Henderson’s family also released a heartfelt tribute, saying, “Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord.”

Known as the “Man of Steal,” Henderson’s career was a showcase of unmatched speed, power, and presence. He holds MLB records for stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295) and is second all-time in unintentional walks (2,129). Henderson’s single-season record of 130 stolen bases in 1982 remains unbroken in the modern era.

Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 1976, Henderson made his MLB debut at just 20 years old. Over a 25-year career, he played for nine teams and made 10 All-Star appearances, winning World Series championships with Oakland in 1989 and Toronto in 1993.

In 1990, Henderson was named the American League MVP after leading the league in runs, stolen bases, and on-base percentage while hitting a career-high 28 home runs. Yet, he humbly noted at the time that he believed he had played better in other seasons.

Henderson was a hometown hero in Oakland, where he attended high school and left a lasting legacy. A local field near Oakland Tech still bears his name, and the Athletics called him “undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history.”

In addition to his base-stealing prowess, Henderson was a patient leadoff hitter, famously surpassing Babe Ruth’s walks record in 2001 while playing for the San Diego Padres. His career spanned 3,081 games, during which he accumulated 3,000 hits and cemented his reputation as one of baseball’s all-time greats.

“Rickey set a standard for power, speed, and dynamic play that can never be duplicated,” said Tony Clark, executive director of the MLB Players Association.

Henderson’s iconic moments include breaking Lou Brock’s career stolen base record in 1991. Standing on the field in Oakland, Henderson declared, “Lou Brock was the symbol of great base stealing, but today, I am the greatest of all time.”

Henderson’s storied career concluded in 2003 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In retirement, he was celebrated as an ambassador for the game and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009.

Teammates, fans, and the baseball community mourn his loss. Dave Winfield, a former teammate, expressed his grief, saying, “I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.”

Rickey Henderson’s contributions to baseball will forever be remembered as a shining example of excellence, innovation, and the joy of the game.