1979–2003 · LF

Rickey Henderson

5' 10", 180 lbs·Lived to 66·Bats R / Throws L

Hall of Fame · 20093×Silver SluggerGold GloveMVPAll-Star

The Almanac's Take

Henderson didn't just steal bases — he redefined what speed could accomplish in baseball. His 1,406 career steals stand as perhaps the most unbreakable record in sports, considering the modern game's emphasis on power over small ball.

What made Henderson transcendent wasn't just the stolen bases, but his patience at the plate. He drew 2,190 walks in his career, understanding that getting on base was the prerequisite for everything else. That 1990 MVP season showcased his complete skill set: .325 average, 28 homers, and a 1.016 OPS that proved he could hit for power when needed.

The "Man of Steal" combined elite speed with surprising pop and exceptional plate discipline. Modern analytics vindicate what scouts saw then — Henderson's ability to create runs through multiple dimensions made him one of baseball's most valuable players ever.

Career Highs

1.016

Best OPS · 1990

Most HR · 1990

Most RBI · 1986

.325

Best AVG · 1990

Career Arc · OPS

25 seasons

Statistical Comps

Vladimir Guerrero

99%

2025 season

ISO .175 · K% 13.8 · BB% 11.9 · HR% 3.4

Mookie Betts

99%

2024 season

ISO .202 · K% 11.0 · BB% 11.8 · HR% 3.7

Geraldo Perdomo

99%

2025 season

ISO .173 · K% 11.7 · BB% 13.2 · HR% 2.8

Career · Batting

25 seasons

Year	Team	G	AB	HR	RBI	AVG	OPS	OPS+
1979	ATH	89	351	1	26	.274	.675	93
1980	ATH	158	591	9	53	.303	.820	115
1981	ATH	108	423	6	35	.319	.845	123
1982	ATH	149	536	10	51	.267	.780	109
1983	ATH	145	513	9	48	.292	.835	117
1984	ATH	142	502	16	58	.293	.857	121
1985	NYY	143	547	24	72	.314	.934	131
1986	NYY	153	608	28	74	.263	.827	115
1987	NYY	95	358	17	37	.291	.920	123
1988	NYY	140	554	6	50	.305	.793	114
1989	ATH	150	541	12	57	.274	.810	117
1990	ATH	136	489	28	61	.325	1.016	143
1991	ATH	134	470	18	57	.268	.823	116
1992	ATH	117	396	15	46	.283	.883	126
1993	ATH	134	481	21	59	.289	.906	123
1994	ATH	87	296	6	20	.260	.776	102
1995	ATH	112	407	9	54	.300	.855	113
1996	SD	148	465	9	29	.241	.754	98
1997	SD	120	403	8	34	.248	.742	98
1998	ATH	152	542	14	57	.236	.723	96
1999	NYM	121	438	12	42	.315	.889	114
2000	SEA	123	420	4	32	.233	.673	86
2001	SD	123	379	8	42	.227	.717	94
2002	BOS	72	179	5	16	.223	.721	96
2003	LAD	30	72	2	5	.208	.627	83
Career		3081	10961	297	1115	.279	—	—

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