Rickey Henderson’s iconic career ended with stints with the Yankees and Mets

Rickey Henderson’s iconic career ended with stints with the Yankees and Mets

Rickey Henderson — Hall of Fame left fielder and beloved baseball icon — died Saturday after a long battle with pneumonia. He was 65.

And while the MLB leader in stolen bases played most of his career with the A’s, he also spent nearly seven seasons in New York, where he played with the Yankees and Mets.

Henderson’s Big Apple story began in December 1984, when the A’s sent him and pitcher Bert Bradley to the Yankees in exchange for five players.

In his first season in pinstripes, Henderson went to the number that would make him famous, 24, and went on to lead the league in stolen bases (80) and runs scored (146). This made him the first player since 1939 to score more runs than games played).

Former Yankee Rickey Henderson waves to fans as he runs onto the field as the New York Yankees celebrated Old Timers Day in 2017. Paul J. Bereswill

During the 1985 season, his .314 batting average was fourth best in the majors and he received the AL’s Silver Slugger Award.

New York Yankees outfielder Rickey Henderson makes his way to steal third base during a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in 1986.
AP
Willie Randolph, Darryl Strawberry, Chris Chambliss, Rickey Henderson and Mickey Rivers pose for a photo at the Yankees Old Timers Game.
Neil Miller

In his next three and a half seasons with the Yankees, Henderson set the franchise record with 326 stolen bases.

Derek Jeter eventually broke that record, even though the shortstop had already played 1,700 more games than Henderson ever played in pinstripes.

The righty speedster was traded back to Oakland in June 1989 and bounced between the Blue Jays, Padres and Angels before landing in New York again, this time with the Mets in 1999.

Rickey Henderson slides into first base after a pickoff attempt by Marlins pitcher Dennis Springer in the sixth inning of a game in 1999. New York Post
Rickey Henderson and his teammate Pat Mahomes of the New York Mets play cards before practice during spring training in 1999. New York Post

Henderson enjoyed a resurgence of sorts, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors with a .315 batting average, 37 steals and the seventh-highest on-base percentage in the National League.

His prowess at the top helped the Mets reach the postseason for the first time since 1988.

Just 31 games into his age-41 season in 2000, after declining numbers and a controversial card play during the finals of the 1999 NLCS, the Mets placed him on waivers and granted a release.

Rickey Henderson stays cool in the Mets dugout during the 9th inning of a game in 2000. New York Post

Henderson briefly served on the Mets’ coaching staff in 2006/07, first as a special hitter and base stealer instructor and later as first base coach.

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