Elephant Rumblings: Oakland celebrates life of Rickey Henderson

MLB news roundup

Happy Monday, Athletics Nation!

A crowd of thousands celebrated the life of legendary Oakland Athletic Rickey Henderson on Saturday at the Oakland Arena, right next door to the baseball field on which the A’s played for 57 years, that was eventually named after the Hall of Fame outfielder and all-time MLB stolen base leader. Rickey died on December 20 at the age of 65, less than three months after the A’s played their final game at the Coliseum.

In attendance were close former teammates and prominent Bay Area baseball figures, such as Dennis Eckersley, Reggie Jackson, Tony LaRussa, and Barry Bonds. Ken Griffey Jr., Sandy Alderson, and Dave Stewart were among those who spoke in memoriam of Henderson at the ceremony. Martin Gallegos at MLB.com shared some of the memorable words spoken in his report on the event.

Rickey’s untimely passing shocked many, and for him to die so soon after the A’s departure from Oakland adds much more gravity to the sense of loss shared by lifelong fans of Rickey Henderson and the Oakland Athletics. Fans like me.

Dave Stewart spoke for us all yesterday in saying, “Rickey, we love you. And we’ll miss you, brother.”

Have a terrific week, AN.

A’s Coverage:

• There Is An “A” In steAmer
• Athletics Community Prospect List: Mason Barnett is making strides at #7
• Athletics’ Community Prospect List: Thomas lays claim to #6 spot
• Stories abound at Rickey Henderson celebration of life
• Glimpse inside A’s Sutter Health Park renovation reveals dirt, dozers and some doubts ($)
• Why the Chronicle is calling the A’s what they are: Sacramento’s MLB team ($)
• Newcomers, prospects and vets: 4 backup catcher options
• Poole: Why Rickey was, for too short a time, the best among us

MLB News & Interest:

• Fay Vincent, the baseball commissioner whose idealism led to clashes with owners, dies at 86 ($)
• Tigers Sign Jack Flaherty
• Alex Bregman Reportedly Has Six-Year Offer From Club Other Than Astros
• What Other Competitive Balance Round Draft Picks Could Be Traded This Winter?
• Padres Notes: Morejon, Machado, Ownership
• Barry Larkin Joins Group Attempting To Get MLB Franchise In Orlando
• Dodgers Notes: Freeman, Glasnow, Rojas, Sheehan
• Dylan Cease Discusses Trade Rumors
• Today in Baseball History

Best of X:

I’ll take the over.