Hall of Fame left fielder Rickey Henderson is best remembered for his ability to get on the base paths and wreak havoc there. Henderson was the all-time leader in walks drawn at the time of his retirement from the Majors in 2003 and remains the all-time leader in runs scored and stolen bases. Three times in four seasons from 1980 to 1983, Henderson stole 100 or more bases three times, solidifying his nickname: the Man of Steal.
On June 7, 1994, playing for the Oakland A’s, Henderson stole his 1,100th career base. He had long since climbed to the top of the all-time rankings in the statistic, bypassing Lou Brock on May 1, 1991. Brock stole 938 bases in his career while Henderson played another twelve seasons after eclipsing Brock’s mark and finished with 1,406 steals. No other player has reached 1,100 steals, and only one player has reached 500 steals since Henderson retired – Juan Pierre, who hit the mark with the White Sox in 2010.
Mick Gillispie told the story of Henderson’s 1,100th steal during Saturday’s game between the Smokies and Jacksonville Suns at Bragan Field.
Andrew Green
James Rowe
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