The loss of the “Man of Steal” was heartbreaking for everyone who knew him. He is known for setting the record for the most stolen bases in history. The legend would have turned 66 this Christmas. However, he passed away the day before. Former NBA player Matt Barnes recently had the chance to meet the baseball legend. As he reflected on the unforgettable legacy of the baseball icon, he expressed his one regret.

The basketball legend opened up about meeting Rickey Henderson at a celebrity softball game. Speaking of the few words he shared with the baseball legend, he recalled the warmth and charisma Henderson displayed. But one of the regrets that Barnes had was that he didn’t ask for a picture. However, he expressed gratitude for being able to have a conversation with the baseball legend.

“And I didn’t ask for a picture and I’m kicking myself to this day. But did get a chance to sit down and talk to him a little bit. I mean, everyone was kind of gathered around him as he was telling stories,” he said.

Sending condolences to his family, the basketball legend also revealed that they were looking forward to scheduling an interview with the baseball legend. However, that didn’t happen. “But I’m sending my deepest condolences to the Henderson family. Alexis, his daughter. We were actually scheduling a sit-down with Rickey. But unfortunately, that didn’t happen. So, I want to send my deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers to the family. And Rickey will be missed,” the former Golden State Warriors player, Barnes concluded.

Apart from a legendary career, Henderson also had a charming personality. Most would remember how he used to refer to himself in the third person.

Rickey Henderson was a legend!

Throughout his incredible career spanning more than two decades, he had 1,406 stolen bases and 2,295 runs. The legend was a 10-time All-Star and was also honored with the American League’s Most Valuable Player award in 1990. Playing for nine different teams during his career, Henderson had a .297 batting average, 297 home runs, and 1,115 RBIs. But Henderson spent most of his time playing for his hometown team, the Oakland Athletics.

The legend was just seven years old when he and his family moved to Oakland. Henderson was fond of both football and baseball and played both the sports when he attended Oakland Technical High School. In his senior year, he was also named the California State Baseball Player of the Year. “It’s almost too hard to believe that in 2024, the final year [of the A’s] in Oakland, #24 would no longer be with us. He was and will always be the greatest of all time. I’m absolutely heartbroken,” co-founder of the baseball fan group The Last Dive Bar, Bryan Johansen said. 

Henderson also played for the New York Yankees. In 2009, the baseball legend was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and the jersey No. 24 was retired by the Athletics the same year. His contribution to the Athletics was also honored. Back in 2017, the Oakland Coliseum’s field was renamed “Rickey Henderson Field” as a tribute to the baseball legend.

After battling pneumonia, the baseball legend passed away in the same hometown where he created such splendid and entertaining moments for the fans. His memories will always remain with us.