The baseball world is mourning Rickey Henderson on Saturday.
Social media was flooded with heartfelt messages for the sports icon who died at the age of 65.
Henderson’s former Yankee teammate, Dave Winfield, took to Instagram to share his condolences.
“I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace,” Winfield wrote.
“Saddened by the passing of our friend, Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff hitter in MLB history!” Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president Bob Kendrick wrote on X. “Was proud to induct him into our Hall of Game in 2015 along with Fergie Jenkins, Ozzie Smith and the late Luis Tiant. Condolences to his family, friends and legion of fans!”
Rickey Henderson waves to the crowd at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 26, 2009 in Cooperstown, New York.Getty Images
Former Mets first base coach Rickey Henderson.Anthony J. Causi
Fellow Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs also had kind words for Henderson, MLB’s all-time stolen base leader.
“Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson one of the greatest to ever play the game you’ll be dearly missed Brother RIP Rickey,” Boggs said on X.
Bobby Valentine, Henderson’s manager on the Mets in 1999 and 2000, took to social media after news of his passing.
MLB Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
“It was an honor to be in the same uniform with Rickey Henderson,” Valentine wrote. “He was the most entertaining and dynamic player I ever saw. R.I.P. Rickey U were the Greatest!”
Mike Piazza, who played with Henderson on those same Mets teams, had kind words for the legend.
“Rickey Henderson was a dream to hit behind as teammate and a nightmare for a catcher as an opponent. He was one of the most generous, hysterical and gracious human beings..He will be sorely missed..Prayers for his soul and family,” Piazza wrote on his X account.
Ozzie Guillen, who played in two All-Star games with Henderson, also had kind words.
“RIP Rickey my condolences to the Henderson family,” Guillen wrote. “One of the best to ever do it.”
“Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickey’s family, his friends and former teammates, A’s fans and baseball fans everywhere,’ commissioner Rob Manfred said.
His wife, Pamela, said Henderson was a “humble soul.”
“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,” she said.
