Oakland Athletics: The 4 legends on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Jul 20, 1991; Oakland, CA, USA; Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics in action against his former team the New York Yankees at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 1991; Oakland, CA, USA; Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics in action against his former team the New York Yankees at the Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Photo By USA TODAY Sports © Copyright USA TODAY Sports /
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OAKLAND, CA – MAY 1: Outfielder Rickey Henderson #24 of the Oakland Athletics steals third base against the New York Yankees during a Major League Baseball game May 1, 1991 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The stolen base was 939 for Henderson breaking the record of 938 held by former St. Louis Cardinal Lou Brock. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – MAY 1: Outfielder Rickey Henderson #24 of the Oakland Athletics steals third base against the New York Yankees during a Major League Baseball game May 1, 1991 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The stolen base was 939 for Henderson breaking the record of 938 held by former St. Louis Cardinal Lou Brock. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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