Net Worth Ranker
What Is Rickey Henderson’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death on December 20, 2024, Rickey Henderson, the celebrated retired professional baseball player, had an estimated net worth of $20 million. This valuation reflects a career spanning from 1979 to 2003 in Major League Baseball (MLB), where he established himself as arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and baserunner in the sport’s history.
Rickey Henderson’s Career Earnings and Peak Salary
During his illustrious career, Rickey Henderson accumulated approximately $44 million solely from his baseball salaries. In addition to his on-field earnings, he garnered an estimated $10 million through various endorsement deals, contributing to his overall financial success. A notable highlight in his salary trajectory was in 1994 when the Oakland Athletics compensated him with $4.5 million. Adjusted for inflation, this salary is equivalent to approximately $9 million in today’s dollars, reflecting the high value placed on his exceptional skills and performance during that period.
The Legendary Un-cashed Million Dollar Check
One of the most memorable anecdotes surrounding Rickey Henderson involves his handling of his first major MLB paycheck. Prior to the 1982 season, Henderson earned the league minimum of $185,000, roughly equivalent to $500,000 today. Recognizing his impressive contributions, the Oakland Athletics rewarded him with a substantial contract increase. His salary for the subsequent season rose to $535,000 (approximately $1.4 million today), followed by $950,000 (approximately $2.5 million today). Crucially, the contract included a $1 million signing bonus, equivalent to about $3 million today. Months later, an accountant discovered a discrepancy of $1 million in the team’s financial records. The subsequent investigation revealed that the missing amount was tied to a check issued to Rickey Henderson over four months prior. Upon contacting Henderson, the accounting department inquired about the check’s whereabouts. Henderson replied that he had the check framed and was looking at it, unaware that it needed to be deposited into a bank account.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Rickey Nelson Henley on Christmas Day, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to Bobbie and John, Rickey Henderson’s early life saw significant changes. When he was two years old, his father left the family, and at the age of seven, he relocated with his mother to Oakland, California. There, he discovered his passion for baseball and developed the unique ability to throw left-handed while batting right. As a teenager, Henderson attended Oakland Technical High School, where he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. During his junior year, his mother remarried to Paul Henderson, and they adopted his surname.
In the 1976 MLB draft, Henderson was selected in the fourth round by the Oakland Athletics, marking the beginning of his professional baseball career. He spent his inaugural season in the minor leagues with the Northwest League’s Boise A’s. Subsequently, he joined the Modesto A’s and had a record-setting season. The following year, he played with the Eastern League’s Jersey City A’s. Henderson further honed his skills with the Mexican Pacific League’s Navojoa Mayos and the Pacific Coast League’s Ogden A’s.
First Tenure with the Oakland Athletics (1979-1984)
Rickey Henderson made his major league debut in 1979 with the Oakland Athletics. The following year, he demonstrated his potential by becoming only the third player in modern MLB history to steal 100 bases in a single season. In 1981, he earned his first and only Gold Glove Award for his exceptional fielding abilities. Further success followed in 1982, when Henderson broke Lou Brock’s single-season record by stealing 130 bases. In 1983, he recorded his third season of 100+ runs, 100+ stolen bases, and 100+ walks, an achievement unmatched by any modern player in a single season. Henderson’s impact on the Oakland Athletics and the sport of baseball was significant, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and game-changing player. His stolen base record remains one of the most iconic achievements in MLB history.
Time with the New York Yankees (1985-1989)
In 1984, Rickey Henderson was traded to the New York Yankees, marking a new chapter in his career. His first season with the team proved to be highly successful, as he led the league in both runs scored and stolen bases and hit 24 home runs. The following season, Henderson continued his dominance, again leading the American League (AL) in runs scored and stolen bases. Despite a somewhat disappointing season in 1987, he rebounded in 1988, leading the AL in steals once again with 93. During his four-and-a-half-season tenure with the Yankees, Henderson set a franchise record with 326 stolen bases. Although his time with the Yankees was relatively short, his impact was significant, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier players and contributing to the team’s success.
Return to the Oakland Athletics (1989-1993)
Rickey Henderson made a triumphant return to the Oakland Athletics in 1989 during the midseason, quickly reasserting himself as one of the top players in baseball. His outstanding performance, including a record eight steals in just five games, earned him the MVP award for the ALCS. The Athletics went on to reach the World Series, where they achieved a decisive four-game sweep over the San Francisco Giants. Henderson and the team reached the World Series again in 1990 but were ultimately defeated by the Cincinnati Reds. During his second stint with the Athletics, Henderson continued to showcase his exceptional skills and leadership, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s most beloved and impactful players. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success during this period.
Toronto Blue Jays and Later Career (1993-2003)
In the summer of 1993, Rickey Henderson was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays. Although his individual performance with the team was considered disappointing, the Blue Jays still advanced to the ALCS and the World Series. In the latter, Henderson played a role in the final play that secured the World Series title for the Jays. Following his World Series victory with Toronto, Henderson re-signed with Oakland as a free agent. In 1994 and 1995, he consistently ranked among the top ten players in the league in steals, walks, and on-base percentage.
In 1996, Henderson signed with the San Diego Padres and once again finished in the top ten in the league in steals, walks, and on-base percentage, as well as runs scored. The following year, he was traded to the Anaheim Angels but had a relatively unremarkable season. Henderson then returned to Oakland for his fourth stint in 1998, leading the majors in stolen bases. The subsequent year, he signed as a free agent with the New York Mets and reached the NLCS, which the Mets ultimately lost. Released from the Mets in 2000, Henderson signed as a free agent with the Seattle Mariners. In his second game with the team, he hit a leadoff home run, making him only the third player to hit a home run in four different decades.
In 2001, Henderson returned to the Padres and subsequently broke three major league records: career walks, career runs, and career games in left field. He went on to sign as a free agent with the Boston Red Sox in 2002. After only playing briefly for the team, he played with the Atlantic League’s Newark Bears and then signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Henderson played his final major league game in September of 2003 with the Dodgers and then returned to the Newark Bears. He later signed with the Golden Baseball League’s San Diego Surf Dawgs. In 2007, Henderson officially announced his retirement from professional baseball.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1983, Rickey Henderson married his high-school sweetheart, Pamela. Together, they had three daughters: Angela, Alexis, and Adrianna. They remained married until his death in 2024. Unfortunately, Rickey Henderson passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 65. He reportedly died from pneumonia, just five days before his 66th birthday. His legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats will continue to inspire generations of players and fans.
