Thousands gathered to bid farewell to Rickey Henderson, the legendary Oakland A's player known as the 'Man of Steal.'
Rickey Henderson, celebrated as the 'Man of Steal' for his legendary base-stealing abilities during his remarkable 25-year career, was more than just a nickname to the people of Oakland. He was a symbol of their identity, embodying the spirit of Oakland baseball. Thousands gathered on Saturday to bid farewell and honor the life of Rickey, an event that drew together some of the biggest names in sports. Seattle Mariners Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.
, Oakland native and NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, former teammate and MLB Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, and Oakland's own Dave Stewart all shared heartwarming anecdotes. The presence of numerous former teammates from the 1989 World Series team, along with legendary managers Joe Torre and Tony La Russa, further solidified the magnitude of Rickey's influence. Each speaker resonated with a similar sentiment: Rickey was truly one of a kind. He remained authentically himself, and it was Rickey who shaped the times, not the other way around. Former San Francisco Giants PA announcer Renel Brooks-Moon, one of the three MCs alongside Bip Roberts and Shooty Babbitt, eloquently captured Rickey's flamboyant style.One of the video tributes played showcased Rickey addressing fans in Oakland, requesting they chant 'run Rickey run' one last time. The attendees on Saturday enthusiastically obliged, reviving the chant in a particularly moving moment. This echoed a similar scene when A's manager Mark Kotsay, after the team's final game in Oakland on September 26th, asked the fans to unleash their best cheer, which they responded to with a resounding 'Let's Go Oak-land.' Rickey's childhood friend since age eight, Fred Atkins, who had attended Oakland Tech and been drafted by the New York Yankees, shared their shared experience of seeking baseball fields in Bushrod due to constant games, despite not knowing anyone. This event was a joyous celebration filled with laughter and shared memories, all centered around the man who played baseball with such infectious joy that even after retiring from MLB at 44, he continued playing two more seasons of independent ball with the Newark Bears and the San Diego Surf Dawgs. While Rickey's records, influence, and accolades are undeniable, Saturday's event focused on the profound impact he had on people's lives - from family and friends to colleagues.
RICKEY HENDERSON OAKLAND ATHLETICS BASEBALL CELEBRATION OF LIFE MAN OF STEAL
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