Rickey Henderson: A known thief for the Oakland Athletics
Position: Outfield
Career: 1979-2003
Years with Athletics: 1979-1984, 1989-1995, 1998
Primary Stats: .279 batting average, 297 home runs, 2295 Runs, 1115 RBI, 1406 stolen bases
Accolades: HOF, AL MVP, 10-time All-Star, 3 Silver Slugger, Gold Glove
Rickey Henderson, often hailed as the best base stealer of all time, is undoubtedly a player deserving of a place on the Oakland Athletics Mount Rushmore. Henderson’s love for the A’s and dedication to the team is evident, as he even advocated for the construction of their new stadium.
During his time with the A’s, Henderson accumulated an impressive 68.6 fWAR, the highest of any player in Oakland history. His record-breaking 1406 stolen bases stands in a league of its own, making him a true force on the base paths. Henderson’s remarkable career .401 OBP and incredible speed made him a nightmare for pitchers to contend with.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Athletics’ 1989 World Series win and was named the ALCS MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009, with his number 24 retired by the team, Rickey Henderson is undoubtedly among the greatest A’s of all time.
“You have to keep running. I always believed I was going to be safe.” – Rickey Henderson