Oakland A's legend Rickey Henderson's celebration of life set for February

OAKLAND, Calif. - Fans of the late Oakland Athletics legend Rickey Henderson can remember the player at his celebration of life scheduled in February. 

The Athletics shared the date and time of Henderson's celebration of life on Wednesday. The event is scheduled for Feb. 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Oakland Arena. It is open to the public. 

Life of ‘Man of Steal’

The backstory:

The "Man of Steal" died on Dec. 20, 2024, days before his Christmas Day birthday. He was 65 years old. 

His family did not share his cause of death publicly, but reports said the 10-time All Star died from pneumonia. 

The Oakland native played for nine teams during his 25-year career in professional baseball, including four separate stints with the Oakland A's. His primary position was left fielder.

He earned the "Man of Steal" moniker for leading the American League in stolen bases for 12 seasons and stealing a total of 1,406 bases throughout his career. 

He earned the "Man of Steal" moniker after becoming the all-time record holder for having 12 steals in the American League and 1,406 in Major League Baseball. 

While in the MLB, he earned the Silver Slugger Award three times and was a World Series champion twice.

Henderson was the third prominent baseball Hall of Famer with Bay Area ties who died in 2024, after the San Francisco Giants' deaths of Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda. 

He retired from baseball in 2007.

"He was undoubtedly the most legendary player in Oakland history and made an indelible mark on generations of A's fans over his 14 seasons wearing the Green and Gold," the Athletics said when his death was first reported.

Outside of baseball, he was a father to three daughters, alongside a grandfather and husband.