As the Oakland Athletics prepare for their first home game of the 2025 season, they will take the field in a way that pays tribute to one of the franchise’s all-time greats. In honor of Hall of Famer and Oakland native Rickey Henderson, every A’s player will don his iconic No. 24 jersey for their home opener against the Chicago Cubs on March 31 at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento.
Henderson, widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter and base-stealer in Major League Baseball history, left an indelible mark on both the franchise and the sport as a whole. Over four separate stints with the A’s, he set franchise records in runs scored (1,270), walks (1,227), and stolen bases (867), while also ranking among the team’s all-time leaders in hits and home runs. His impact extended far beyond Oakland, as he still holds MLB records for career stolen bases (1,406), unintentional walks (2,129), and runs scored (2,295), cementing his place as one of the game’s most dynamic players.
The decision to wear No. 24 comes as the A’s embark on a new chapter, playing their 2025 home games in Sacramento while their future beyond that remains uncertain. Their previous home, the Oakland Coliseum, hosted its final A’s game in September 2024, when the team closed out the season with a victory over the Texas Rangers, providing a fitting farewell to their longtime ballpark.
While the Athletics’ relocation has left many Oakland fans disheartened, the tribute to Henderson serves as a nod to the franchise’s deep-rooted history in the East Bay. For one night, the A’s will step onto the field unified under a number that symbolizes speed, dominance, and a connection to one of baseball’s most charismatic figures.