Heartbroken fans and stars of baseball pay tribute to Rickey Henderson after legend’s death at 65

Baseball fans and stars paid tribute to Rickey Henderson after the legendary player’s death was reported on Saturday.

Henderson, widely regarded as one of the greatest leadoff hitters and base stealers in history, died at the age of 65.

According to TMZ Sports, the two-time World Series champion died in the Oakland area and was being treated for a battle with pneumonia.

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.

“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.

Henderson played for nine different teams in the MLB during his storied 25-year career

“Nobody touched home plate anymore. No one has stolen more bases. And there’s been no one like him since,” another added.

“Rickey Henderson, one of the greatest. Two-time champion with As and Jays. And owner of one of the most iconic moments ever: breaking the stolen base record.’

Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Josh Redding wrote, “I am heartbroken by the news of the legend Rickey Henderson. To be able to be taught by someone I idolized as a child, it meant so much that he took the time to teach so many of us.”

Former MLB pitcher John Rocker posted a video of Rickey’s daughter, Adrian Henderson, throwing a first pitch to her father, writing, “Rickey Henderson was more than just one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He was a loving father. I send my sincere condolences to his family.

Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy had a long message, reminiscing about his time with Henderson.

“During my time at @Athletics he had his locker right next to mine. He came in almost every day and played cards with the boys. Class act and great guy,” Lucroy wrote. ‘I argued with him by saying he was lucky I didn’t catch him trying to steal. I would have thrown him out.

“Probably not true but he said no man you wouldn’t have a chance lol. I also enjoyed talking to him. He was a very smart player,” he added. ‘He was a good guy and loved being around the players. Baseball lost a good one today. Legendary player. Prayers and condolences to his family.”

Henderson was drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics, for whom he made four appearances.

Tributes from fans and major league stars poured in after news of Henderson’s death surfaced

After a stint with the New York Yankees, the 10-time All-Star helped Oakland claim its first World Series in 25 years in the 1989 season before adding another to his 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.

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.

Henderson recorded more than 3,055 hits and 297 home runs with a batting average of .279, while also holding the record for runs scored with 2,295.

As for his stolen base record, no other player in history has ever reached the 1,000 mark, something he achieved eleven years before the end of his career.

Henderson was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009, six years after calling time on his iconic playing days.

Hours after his death was reported, Athletics released a statement on behalf of Henderson’s family.

“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,” the statement said.

“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, while holding on to the legacy he left for us all.

‘With gratitude, Pamela Henderson and his daughters.’