Rickey Henderson, MLB's storied record holder for stolen bases and runs, passed away at the age of 65 on Saturday.
The news was utterly devastating for Deion Sanders since the baseball icon was his idol.
Sanders took to his Instagram to share his condolences, alongside a nostalgic, bittersweet picture of himself alongside MLB's late all-time stolen base leader from their baseball days.
"Rickey Henderson is my baseball hero!" Sanders wrote. "I wanted to play like he played, I wanted the patience at the plate he had and understanding of the art of base stealing.
"He taught me so much and answered every time I called & he showed me love every time I seen him. Wow my hero is gone. Wow!!! God please bless his family, comfort them and protect the hearts of his loved 1z. This hurts."
Henderson's family released a statement of their own as well.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of my husband, Rickey Henderson. A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind," Pamela Henderson said in a statement on behalf of the family.
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and heartfelt memories from family, friends, and fans — all of which have brought immense comfort. We also extend our sincere gratitude to MLB, the Oakland A's, and the incredible doctors and nurses at UCSF who cared for Rickey with dedication and compassion. Your prayers and kindness mean more than words can express. In this difficult time, we kindly ask for your respect and privacy as we adjust to life without Rickey, holding on to the legacy he left for all of us."