‘The Man of Steal’ dead at 65

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Rickey Henderson, Major League Baseball’s (MLB) career stolen base leader, has died at age 65, his family announced on Saturday.

Henderson played 24 MLB seasons for nine different clubs from 1979 to 2003, including four stints with the Oakland Athletics, with whom he won a World Series title in 1989.

Henderson also won a World Series crown in 1993, three months after being traded from the A’s to Toronto.

“For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said.

“Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all-time.

“He also made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. He epitomized speed, power and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup. Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans.”

Nicknamed “The Man of Steal,” Henderson holds MLB records with 1,406 career stolen bases and 2,295 career runs scored and set the one-season record of 130 stolen bases in 1982. No other player has 100 steals in a season.

Pamela Henderson, Rickey’s widow, confirmed his death after a brief hospital stay due to illness, releasing a statement calling her husband “a legend on and off the field,” and adding: “Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount.

“Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support and heartfelt memories from family, friends and fans — all of which have brought immense comfort.”

The 10-time All-Star outfielder was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009 in his first year of eligibility.