Phrases like generational talent are tossed around seemingly every year as athletes climb into the professional ranks. Hyperbolic praise is heaped upon players across all sports for their one-of-a-kind personalities and skillsets.

And then there was the late Rickey Henderson, a one-of-a-kind, four-decade-spanning generational talent, who passed on Friday at the age of 65.

In 2009, Henderson was voted into the MLB Hall of Fame, with a 94.8% vote share. His 511 HOF votes are the seventh-most of all-time.

Henderson also holds career records with 2,295 runs, 1,406 stolen bases and 335 times caught stealing, in addition to records for unintentional walks and leadoff home runs.

A two-time World Series champion, the 1990 American League MVP and 10-time All-Star was known for flash, bravado, hoarse voice and speaking in the third person.

Fans flocked to social media to share their memories of the 24-year MLB veteran.

“Omg 🙏 and RIP 🪦 to a great player Rickey Henderson 💐 GenX feels this. We grew up with Ricky stealing bases. Tigers fan ❤️ to his families,” said one fan.

Oakland Athletics former player Rickey Henderson

Rickey Henderson at retirement number ceremony

© Phil Carter-Imagn Images

“He was an incredible baseball player. The man could do it all. I was fortunate enough to watch him in his prime,” stated another reply.
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“First base pose icon. Built like a tank, ran like the wind. RIP,” commented a third fan.

“Rest In Peace Rickey Henderson. Greatest base stealer in the history of baseball. One of a kind,” MLB insider Jeff Passan added.

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Other tributes include:

 

More details on Henderson’s death are expected to be released in the coming days, but per TMZ, it has been linked to a bout with pneumonia.