Rickey Henderson’s iconic career came with memorable seasons for Yankees and Mets

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

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

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

In his first season in pinstripes, Henderson switched to the number he would become famous with, 24, and subsequently paced the league in stolen bases (80) and runs scored (146; made him the first player since 1939 to amass more runs than games played).

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

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

New York Yankees' outfielder Rickey Henderson takes off to steal third base during a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in 1986.
New York Yankees’ outfielder Rickey Henderson takes off to steal third base during a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in 1986.
AP

At the Yankees Old Timers Game, Willie Randolph, Darryl Strawberry, Chris Chambliss, Rickey Henderson and Mickey Rivers pose for a photo.
At the Yankees Old Timers Game, Willie Randolph, Darryl Strawberry, Chris Chambliss, Rickey Henderson and Mickey Rivers pose for a photo.
Neil Miller

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

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

The righty speedster was traded back to Oakland in June 1989 and hopped around between the Blue Jays, the Padres and the 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 6th inning of a game 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 New York Mets teammate Pat Mahomes play cards before a workout during 1999 spring training. Later in the season, during the late-innings of a post-season game, Henderson allegedly retreated into the team's clubhouse to play cards, and management was not impressed.
Rickey Henderson and New York Mets teammate Pat Mahomes play cards before a workout during 1999 spring training. New York Post

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

His prowess at the leadoff spot 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 game during the final contest of the 1999 NLCS, the Mets placed him on waivers and granted a release. 

Rickey Henderson hangs cool in the Mets' dugout during the 9th inning of a game in 2000.
Rickey Henderson hangs 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 instructor to hitters and base stealers and later as first base coach. 

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