This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
Rickey Henderson’s superb career as a leadoff hitter was defined by speed and success. Fellow Hall of Famer Paul Molitor called him “the greatest leadoff hitter of all-time.” From the time Rickey started playing Little League, he said it was his goal to bat first so he could get the first hit and score the first run. Playing for nine teams across 25 seasons, he skillfully followed that simple routine and was constantly a pest to opposing pitchers. Henderson stole 1,406 bases -- 468 more than any other player -- and scored 2,295 runs, which also ranks first. He drew 2,190 walks, second on the all-time list, and finished with 3,055 hits before hangin' em up for good in 2003.
Despite there now being 24 GEM MINT 10 specimens in PSA's pop report, the prices remain steep for Henderson's 1980 Topps rookie card #482. One recently sold for over $36,000 at auction. As one would expect, this example is absolutely flawless and has been buried in an esteemed collector's possession for well over two decades.