MLB legend Rickey Henderson’s shock passing came after a battle with pneumonia, it was revealed on Saturday.

The baseball world is mourning the loss of Henderson – who is widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter in the sport’s history – following his tragic death at the age of 65.

According to TMZ, the two-time World Series champion had been receiving treatment in hospital for pneumonia before he died in Oakland on Friday. 

The Oakland native was drafted in the fourth round of the 1976 MLB Draft by the A’s, whom he eventually played for on four separate occasions.

After a stint with the New York Yankees, he helped Oakland claim its first World Series for 25 years in the 1989 season, before adding another to his own collection four years later with the Toronto Blue Jays.

He also enjoyed spells with the Anaheim Angels (now known as the LA Angels), the Seattle Mariners and the Boston Red Sox as well as two with the San Diego Padres, before eventually retiring as an LA Dodger.

Baseball legend Rickey Henderson’s shock passing came after a battle with pneumonia

The baseball world is mourning the loss of Henderson, who died on Friday at the age of 65

Across his 24-year career, Henderson had three seasons with at least 20 home runs and 65 stolen bases. 

The other 23,369 players in MLB history combined have four.

The 10-time All-Star recorded more than 3,055 hits and 297 home runs with a .279 batting average, while he also holds the all-time record for runs scored with 2,295. 

His wife Pamela released a statement through the Athletics social media accounts on Saturday night, saying: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. 

‘Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt memories from family, friends, and fans — all of which have brought immense comfort. We also extend our sincere gratitude to MLB, the Oakland A’s, and the incredible doctors and nurses at UCSF who cared for Rickey with dedication and compassion. 

Your prayers and kindness mean more than words can express. In this difficult time, we kindly ask for your respect and privacy as we adjust to life without Rickey, holding on to the legacy he left for all of us.’ 

The two-time World Series champion is widely considered the greatest leadoff hitter ever

After the news broke, tributes from around Major League Baseball flooded X as stars mourned his passing.

‘Sad day for our Hall of Fame family with the passing of Rickey Henderson one of the greatest to ever play the game you’ll be dearly missed Brother RIP Rickey,’ wrote Hall of Fame third baseman Wade Boggs.

Another Hall of Famer and one of Henderson’s former teammates, Dave Winfield, shared a photo of them together on Instagram and wrote: ‘I still cannot believe I’ve lost one of my favorite teammates and great friend Rickey Henderson. Rest in peace.’ 

‘Super Sky Point to Rickey Henderson, the greatest leadoff man and base stealer to ever set foot on a baseball diamond. I’m stunned. Some guys seem larger than mortality. Rickey was one of them,’ one user captioned a photo of Henderson holding a stolen base.