R.I.P. Rickey Henderson 1958-2024

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The Oakland community lost a hometown hero when baseball legend Rickey Henderson passed away on December 20, 2024. He was 65 years old. Born in 1958 in Chicago, IL, Henderson moved with his family to Oakland when he was seven. A graduate of Oakland Technical High School in 1976, he was drafted by the Oakland A's in the 4th round that same year and made his Major League debut in 1979. Though he played for nine different teams throughout his 20-plus year career, he will forever be remembered for his time wearing the Green and Gold.

Patrons can find many loving tributes and obituaries online, including in the New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle, but we wanted to pay our respects here by sharing some images from his early life in Oakland that you might not find elsewhere. Below, please enjoy some excellent photos from Henderson's high school sports career - did you know he was a three-sport star? - culled from our collection in the Oakland History Center as well as from Oakland Tribune microfilm housed in the Magazines & Newspapers Room at the Main Library. Rest in peace to the Man of Steal, Oakland's own Rickey Henderson.

Rickey Henderson's sophomore class photo at Oakland Tech, 1974.
Henderson's sophomore class photo at Oakland Tech, 1974. Courtesy Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Center.
Rickey Henderson in the Oakland Tech yearbook, 1975.
Rickey Henderson, All-City 2nd Team in football during his junior year. Oakland Tech Yearbook, 1975. Courtesy Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Center.
Rickey Henderson pictured with the JV basketball team at Oakland Tech, 1974
Henderson pictured (bottom left) with the Junior Varsity basketball team at Oakland Tech, 1974. Courtesy Oakland Public Library, Oakland History Center.
Rickey Henderson pictured playing basketball for Oakland Tech, 1975.
Rickey goes in for a lay-up for Oakland Tech's basketball team. Oakland Tribune, January 14, 1976.
Rickey Henderson pictured with the All-OAL Team for 1975
Rickey Henderson (bottom right) pictured with the All-OAL baseball team for 1975. Oakland Tribune, June 7, 1975.
Rickey Henderson pictured playing football for Oakland Tech, October, 1975
Rickey returning a kickoff for a touchdown while playing for Oakland Tech. Oakland Tribune, October 25, 1975.
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