The Athletics paid tribute to the late Rickey Henderson by wearing his jersey number 24. However, outfielder Lawrence Butler went further by wearing cleats featuring the Major League Baseball career stolen bases leader.
In addition to the shoe bearing the Athletics’ colors, it also showed Henderson in running motion and holding a bat. Butler’s shoe also showed the words “Man of Steal,” pertaining to Henderson’s 1,406 career stolen bases.
Lawrence Butler pulled out all the stops to honor Rickey Henderson for the A's home opener pic.twitter.com/c12DGX0ZB7
— MLB (@MLB) April 1, 2025
In addition to that record, Henderson also has the most career runs (2,295) and stolen bases in a season (130). Henderson had four stints with the Athletics, with the first during his rookie MLB season (1979) until 1984. He also played for the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Anaheim Angels, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers during his 25-season career.
While he was known for his superb base stealing, Rickey Henderson is a one-time American League Most Valuable Player and three-time Silver Slugger award winner. The ten-time MLB All-Star has two World Series titles, one with the Yankees and the other with the Blue Jays.
After his playing career, Henderson became a Baseball Hall of Fame and Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. Unfortunately, he passed away in December 2024 at 65.
Meanwhile, the Athletics hope Butler will be on track to mimic Henderson’s career. Hence, they gave him a seven-year, $65.5 million contract extension.
-Lance Fernandez