(KRON) — Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr paid tribute to Rickey Henderson after news of the baseball legend’s death at 65. Henderson, a Bay Area icon and one of Major League Baseball’s greatest players, left a lasting impact on sports and his hometown.
“I want to offer our condolences from the Warriors to Rickey Henderson’s family,” Kerr said. “Shocking news today. Rickey, Bay Area legend, Oakland Tech, obviously, 14 years with the A’s, World Series champ. One of all-time great baseball players. I think one of the all-time great athletes in the history of our country.”
Kerr emphasized Henderson’s unmatched athleticism and legacy. “Just stunning athleticism and fun baseball player to watch, and beloved in the Bay. We’re all very sad today. We got people in our organization who were close with Rickey. Yeah, it’s very surprising news, and very sad at such a young age. So on behalf of the Warriors, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the Henderson family.”
Kerr, whose playing career overlapped with Henderson’s prime, reflected on what made him special. “One of a kind. Like watching Bo Jackson or LeBron, just one of those guys who was not human, you know? He didn’t look like the rest of us. Nor did he play, like, the rest of the league. But such a unique athlete, player, personality. He brought so much to the sport from a charisma standpoint. Unique, quirky guy, but so much fun to watch.”
Henderson, MLB’s all-time leader in runs scored (2,295) and stolen bases (1,406), played 24 seasons, 14 of them with the Oakland Athletics. A World Series champion and Hall of Famer, his speed and personality cemented his status as one of the sport’s legends.
In September, Henderson was honored by the A’s during a celebration that included a bobblehead giveaway and a ceremonial first pitch. His passing comes as the Bay Area says goodbye to the A’s, who played their final game in Oakland this year.
