Ricky Henderson, one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, was born in Chicago and raised in Oakland, California. Known for his rare ability to bat right-handed while throwing left-handed, Henderson's journey to becoming a baseball legend is as remarkable as it is inspiring.
Early Life
Henderson was born Ricky Nelson Henley, named after the famous singer and actor. He faced significant challenges early in life, losing his father, John El Henley, in a tragic automobile accident when he was just 12 years old. Following his father's death, his mother married Paul Henderson, and the family adopted the Henderson surname.
From the age of two to seven, Ricky lived with his grandmother in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, before finally moving with his family to Oakland, where he discovered his passion for baseball. Growing up in a neighborhood with friends who predominantly batted right-handed, Henderson followed suit, despite being a natural lefty. This unique combination set him apart, making him one of only 57 players in MLB history known to bat right and throw left through the 2008 season.
A multi-sport athlete, Henderson attended Oakland Technical High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. Notably, he was an All-American running back, achieving two seasons of over 1,000 yards rushing. Although he received several football scholarship offers, Ricky chose to pursue baseball, a decision advocated by his mother due to the typically shorter careers in football.
Rise to Stardom
Henderson’s professional journey began when the Oakland Athletics drafted him in the fourth round of the 1976 MLB draft. His minor league career kicked off with the Boise A's, where he quickly demonstrated his potential, achieving an impressive batting average of .336 in 46 games.
Throughout his minor league career, Henderson continued to break records. During the 1978 season, he stole an astounding 95 bases with the Modesto A's, earning the title of Most Valuable Player. Such feats foreshadowed his meteoric rise to the majors, where he would later revolutionize the art of base stealing.
Henderson made his MLB debut in 1979 with the Oakland Athletics. Over the course of his career spanning more than two decades, he redefined the role of a leadoff hitter. He holds numerous records, most notably the single-season stolen base record of 130 set in 1982, and remains the all-time stolen base leader for both the Athletics and in MLB history. His prowess on the base paths made him a constant offensive threat and is remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Notably, in the 1989 American League Championship Series, Henderson broke Lou Brock's postseason record for stolen bases in a single series by stealing eight bases. He is the only player in American League history to steal over 100 bases in a single season, having accomplished this feat three times.
Ricky Henderson's contributions to the game were recognized in 2009 when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, receiving 94.8% of the vote—the thirteenth highest percentage in MLB history. Henderson, who was ranked 50th on the Sporting News' list of the 100 greatest baseball players in 2005, humbly acknowledged his achievements, focusing on his love for the game rather than personal accolades.
While he cherished his records, he often emphasized the importance of scoring runs, saying, "You have to score to win."
Off the field, Henderson was lauded for his character and integrity. As a devoted father, husband, and friend, he left a meaningful legacy both on and off the diamond. His wife, Pamela, remembered him as a humble soul whose dedication to baseball was paramount.
Sadly, Ricky Henderson passed away after complications from pneumonia. He left behind a legacy of extraordinary achievements and unforgettable moments that continue to inspire future generations in the sport.
Henderson was not just known for his talents but also for his colorful personality and the humorous anecdotes that surrounded him. Often regarded as a modern-day Yogi Berra, his quirky remarks and clubhouse lore contributed to his larger-than-life image. While some stories about him were exaggerated or fabricated, they highlighted his unique role in the baseball world.
Embracing his persona, Henderson remarked, "A lot of stuff they had me doing or something they said I had created—that’s comedy."
In summary, Ricky Henderson's storied career exemplifies the spirit of baseball. His achievements on the field, combined with his distinctive personality and dedication to the game, solidify his positioning as a true legend in MLB history.
Part 1/8:
The Life and Legacy of Ricky Henderson
Ricky Henderson, one of the most dynamic and accomplished players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, was born in Chicago and raised in Oakland, California. Known for his rare ability to bat right-handed while throwing left-handed, Henderson's journey to becoming a baseball legend is as remarkable as it is inspiring.
Early Life
Henderson was born Ricky Nelson Henley, named after the famous singer and actor. He faced significant challenges early in life, losing his father, John El Henley, in a tragic automobile accident when he was just 12 years old. Following his father's death, his mother married Paul Henderson, and the family adopted the Henderson surname.
Part 2/8:
From the age of two to seven, Ricky lived with his grandmother in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, before finally moving with his family to Oakland, where he discovered his passion for baseball. Growing up in a neighborhood with friends who predominantly batted right-handed, Henderson followed suit, despite being a natural lefty. This unique combination set him apart, making him one of only 57 players in MLB history known to bat right and throw left through the 2008 season.
High School and Athletics
Part 3/8:
A multi-sport athlete, Henderson attended Oakland Technical High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. Notably, he was an All-American running back, achieving two seasons of over 1,000 yards rushing. Although he received several football scholarship offers, Ricky chose to pursue baseball, a decision advocated by his mother due to the typically shorter careers in football.
Rise to Stardom
Henderson’s professional journey began when the Oakland Athletics drafted him in the fourth round of the 1976 MLB draft. His minor league career kicked off with the Boise A's, where he quickly demonstrated his potential, achieving an impressive batting average of .336 in 46 games.
Part 4/8:
Throughout his minor league career, Henderson continued to break records. During the 1978 season, he stole an astounding 95 bases with the Modesto A's, earning the title of Most Valuable Player. Such feats foreshadowed his meteoric rise to the majors, where he would later revolutionize the art of base stealing.
Major League Achievements
Part 5/8:
Henderson made his MLB debut in 1979 with the Oakland Athletics. Over the course of his career spanning more than two decades, he redefined the role of a leadoff hitter. He holds numerous records, most notably the single-season stolen base record of 130 set in 1982, and remains the all-time stolen base leader for both the Athletics and in MLB history. His prowess on the base paths made him a constant offensive threat and is remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Notably, in the 1989 American League Championship Series, Henderson broke Lou Brock's postseason record for stolen bases in a single series by stealing eight bases. He is the only player in American League history to steal over 100 bases in a single season, having accomplished this feat three times.
Part 6/8:
Hall of Fame Recognition
Ricky Henderson's contributions to the game were recognized in 2009 when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot, receiving 94.8% of the vote—the thirteenth highest percentage in MLB history. Henderson, who was ranked 50th on the Sporting News' list of the 100 greatest baseball players in 2005, humbly acknowledged his achievements, focusing on his love for the game rather than personal accolades.
While he cherished his records, he often emphasized the importance of scoring runs, saying, "You have to score to win."
Personal Life and Passing
Part 7/8:
Off the field, Henderson was lauded for his character and integrity. As a devoted father, husband, and friend, he left a meaningful legacy both on and off the diamond. His wife, Pamela, remembered him as a humble soul whose dedication to baseball was paramount.
Sadly, Ricky Henderson passed away after complications from pneumonia. He left behind a legacy of extraordinary achievements and unforgettable moments that continue to inspire future generations in the sport.
The Ricky Henderson Persona
Part 8/8:
Henderson was not just known for his talents but also for his colorful personality and the humorous anecdotes that surrounded him. Often regarded as a modern-day Yogi Berra, his quirky remarks and clubhouse lore contributed to his larger-than-life image. While some stories about him were exaggerated or fabricated, they highlighted his unique role in the baseball world.
Embracing his persona, Henderson remarked, "A lot of stuff they had me doing or something they said I had created—that’s comedy."
In summary, Ricky Henderson's storied career exemplifies the spirit of baseball. His achievements on the field, combined with his distinctive personality and dedication to the game, solidify his positioning as a true legend in MLB history.