Tony La Russa cut right to it about Rickey Henderson, calling him “the most beloved teammate we ever had.”
La Russa said so Saturday night while sharing a stage with Dave Stewart, Dennis Eckersley and Jose Canseco, all of whom beamed with pride as their former skipper shared tales of the A’s “great personalities” from 35 years ago.
More tributes about Henderson will flow Saturday at 1 p.m. when a public service will be held in his honor at the Oakland Arena, next door to the Coliseum basepaths where Henderson forged his Hall of Fame legacy as baseball’s all-time leader in stolen bases (1,406) and runs scored (2,295).
Tickets are sold out on TicketMaster but available on the secondary market. No live stream broadcast is available, according to an Athletics spokesperson.
Hall of Famers expected to attend are La Russa, Eckersley, Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas and Dave Winfield, along with Hall of Fame president Josh Rawitch.
La Russa, invited along with Stewart to speak at the service, gave a sneak preview of his feelings last weekend at his Champions to the Rescue show benefitting his family’s latest animal welfare foundation. La Russa’s tone changed as “teary-eyed” thoughts drifted to a handful of players who’ve died, a lineup that sadly added Henderson on Dec. 20.
“He was in the middle of everything in that clubhouse,” La Russa added. “He never was a superstar. He was having fun on the plane, in the back of the bus.”
Henderson died at age 65 due to complications with pneumonia.
“Rickey was — and I’m not exaggerating — one of the greatest players of all-time,” added La Russa, the A’s manager from 1986-95. “I like talking about what a great teammate he was, and the most dangerous player of our time.
“He’d get on base, steal it. The one thing I said, Rickey was a marked man. You had to stop him. Some teams tried to intimidate him. One thing I said about Rickey: You can’t scare him, you can’t stop him.”
After La Russa extolled that praise, Stewart recalled Henderson’s impact on him since their childhood days in Oakland. “I grew up with him and he’s like family to me, for as long as I’d know him,” Stewart said.
Long before joining forces with Henderson on the A’s in the late 1980s and 1990s, Stewart marveled at his athletic talents not only on the diamond but in Oakland Tech High’s backfield as a 1,000-yard rusher. “With Rickey, I wouldn’t miss a high school football game,” Stewart, 67, said. “He was a tremendous football athlete.”
He became a first-ballot Baseball Hall of Famer over his 25-year career, as a 10-time All-Star, the 1990 A.L. MVP, and World Series champion with the 1990 A’s and 1993 Toronto Blue Jays.
Henderson’s stints with his hometown A’s came from 1979-84, ’89-’93, ’94-’95, and ’98. His No. 24 is retired by the franchise as it relocates from Oakland (and “Rickey Henderson Field”) to Sacramento this year before an eventual move to Las Vegas.
Henderson was a 1976 fourth-round draft pick by the A’s. He made his big-league debut three years later, then three years after that, he set a record with 130 stolen bases in 1982. His journeyman career would take him away to the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres (twice), Anaheim Angels, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
But he returned to the Coliseum for the A’s finale last Sept. 26, throwing out the first pitch alongside Stewart. Henderson came back for a final goodbye a month later as part of Reggie Jackson’s Softball Classic with other former stars.
Two months later, Henderson unexpectedly passed. He was five days shy of his 66th birthday. Saturday, fans will take the 66th Avenue offramp and drive into the arena to celebrate one of the greatest lives Oakland, the Bay Area and baseball have ever cherished.
Originally Published:
Oakland Athletics fans and baseball lovers alike are gearing up for a special event in honor of one of the greatest players to ever put on the green and gold – Rickey Henderson.
The Rickey Henderson memorial is set to take place in Oakland, where fans will pay tribute to the Hall of Famer and all-time stolen base leader. Henderson, known for his speed, power, and charisma, left an indelible mark on the game of baseball and the city of Oakland.
The memorial will be a chance for fans to come together and celebrate the life and career of this legendary player. There will be speeches, highlights of Henderson’s greatest moments, and a chance for fans to share their own memories of watching him play.
As the date of the memorial draws near, fans are encouraged to come out and show their support for one of the all-time greats. Rickey Henderson may no longer be on the field, but his impact on the game and the city of Oakland will never be forgotten.
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Rickey Henderson tribute, Oakland Athletics, Rickey Henderson memorial, baseball legend tribute, Oakland A’s memorial event, Rickey Henderson celebration, Oakland sports history, baseball hall of fame, Rickey Henderson legacy, Oakland community event
TROY, Mich. – A 5-year-old boy from Royal Oak was killed in an explosion while receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy at a healthcare facility in Oakland County, according to the fire department.
First responders were called to reports of the explosion shortly before 8 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at the Oxford Center in Troy. They said the 5-year-old boy was dead when first responders arrived at the scene.
The boy’s mother was standing near the chamber when it exploded and she received injuries to her arms. The department said the fire was brought under control within minutes of the department arriving and there was no extensive damage to the facility itself.
According to the FDA, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is known for treating scuba and deep-sea divers affected by the rapid change in pressure around them. The FDA said it can also be used to treat other health problems, including carbon monoxide poisoning and diabetic foot ulcers. The increased air pressure in the chamber helps the lungs collect more oxygen, which can get more oxygen to the tissues that need, and help the body heal and fight certain infections.
The FDA recommends those who need treatment get it at an accredited facility saying, “Explosions and fires have occurred in HBOT chambers that have not been reviewed by the FDA and are located at unaccredited facilities.” The FDA said the facility should be accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. According to the UHMS map, only two locations in Michigan have been accredited and they are in Grand Rapids and Niles.
The Oxford Center opened in 2008. The fire department said the facility will be closed “until further notice” while they continue to investigate the explosion.
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On a tragic day at an Oakland County healthcare facility, a child lost their life in a devastating hyperbaric chamber explosion. The incident, which occurred yesterday afternoon, has left the community in shock and mourning.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the explosion and working to determine what led to this heartbreaking loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the child during this incredibly difficult time.
We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy, and we urge the healthcare facility to take all necessary precautions to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. May the memories of the child who was lost in this terrible accident be a source of comfort and strength to all who knew and loved them.
She told the Michigan Lottery her dad bought her the ticket as a “just because gift.”
“I was surprised when he handed it to me, and I asked him why he bought it for me,” she said. “He said it was a ‘just because gift,’ which I though was really nice of him.
“When I scratched the ticket off, I was stunned to see that it was a $4 million winner. I had so many emotions going through my body. I screamed. I cried. I was and still am shocked I won $4 million.”
Her dad purchased the $30 ticket at Light House Liquor located at 13651 W. 9 Mile Road in Oak Park.
The woman recently claimed her prize and opted to receive a one-time lump sum payment of about $2.7 million instead of annuity payments for the full amount.
The $150,000,000 Spectacular game has three top prizes of $4,000,000. Two are still unclaimed.
In a stroke of luck, an Oakland County woman has won a whopping $4 million on a Michigan Lottery instant ticket! The lucky winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, purchased the winning ticket at a local convenience store.
The woman was in shock when she realized she had won such a large sum of money. “I couldn’t believe it at first. I had to double and triple check the ticket to make sure it was real,” she said.
The winner plans to use her newfound fortune to pay off debts, help her family, and take a well-deserved vacation. She is grateful for the unexpected windfall and hopes to make the most of it.
This incredible win serves as a reminder that you never know when luck will strike. Congratulations to the Oakland County woman on her life-changing win!
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — The federal indictment against recalled Mayor Sheng Thao and three others detailed alleged bribes spent on a negative mailer that helped Thao just before the Oakland mayor’s election. And that raises an intriguing question – could we have had a different mayor had that money not exchanged hands?
Thao’s opponent in the race, Loren Taylor, told ABC7 News Friday there’s no question he would have won. He was leading in the polls, and after that mailer, wound up losing by just 677 votes.
Outside Oakland federal court, the I-Team’s Dan Noyes questioned defendant Andy Duong, “Andy, any comment about what’s happening?”
In his white suit and white tennis shoes, Duong would not answer questions as he entered federal court to face bribery, conspiracy, mail and wire fraud charges in connection with former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.
But the indictment says, in exchange for future favors, contracts and political appointments, Duong and his father, David Duong, who own California Waste Solutions, funded “a negative mailer campaign costing approximately $75,000 in support of Thao’s mayoral campaign.”
Former council member and mayoral candidate Loren Taylor was the target of that mailer. He told the I-Team, “Look, I am angry. This is ridiculous that democracy has been trampled on here in Oakland.”
Taylor was ahead at one point during the ranked-choice voting tally by 3,587 votes but wound up losing the mayor’s race by just 677 out of about 125,000 votes cast.
The difference according to Taylor and his chief of staff? This mailer slamming Taylor was sent just days before the election.
ABC7 News I-Team has learned Loren Taylor is preparing his campaign staff to take another run for Oakland mayor after FBI raid at Mayor Thao’s home.
They obviously had darkened his face and darkened his skin,” Pamela Ferran, Taylor’s chief of staff said. “He had outrageous allegations. It just seemed incredibly unfair and disappointing,” said Pamela Ferran, Taylor’s Chief of Staff.
In public, real estate agent and political activist Mario Juarez always said that he paid for the fliers and an anti-Loren Taylor website. But last summer, Mayor Thao’s former chief of staff told me, she watched Juarez approach Thao and Andy Duong at this campaign event in October 2022, asking for more money for the fliers.
“And that was the first time I ever saw Mario,” Renia Webb said. “And I was like, what is he doing here? And he straight up said he needed $25,000 to finish that mail piece and I walked away… because I knew that they shouldn’t even be dealing with that or talking about that type of stuff.”
TIMELINE: FBI political corruption probe involving Oakland Mayor Thao (1 of 10)
Webb said Andy Duong indicated he would take care of it, and that he had already paid $50,000 for the project.
Juarez is not charged or even named in the indictment released Friday. He could be listed as “co-conspirator 1.” We asked his lawyer, Ernie Castillo, if Juarez is a cooperating witness. He texted, “I can’t discuss the situation at all at the moment.”
For the upcoming mayor’s race, Loren Taylor has filed to be on the ballot once again, hoping for a more level playing field this time. “I think it says to all of us, we absolutely have to stay vigilant. We have to make sure that we have the right leaders in place who are going to make the right decisions, who have the right judgment, and are not simply going to continue, you know, business as usual.”
Loren Taylor is a leading candidate for Oakland mayor in the upcoming special election, along with former member of Congress Barbara Lee and more than a dozen others. They include Thao’s former chief of staff, Renia Webb, also running for mayor.
In a shocking turn of events, Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor has come forward with allegations that a $75,000 bribe for mailers may have cost him the mayoral race. The indictment of Councilmember Sheng Thao has sent shockwaves through the Oakland political scene, with Taylor claiming that the alleged bribe was a key factor in his defeat.
Taylor, who lost the race to incumbent Mayor Libby Schaaf by a narrow margin, has accused Thao of using the illicit funds to finance a smear campaign against him. The allegations have cast a shadow over the integrity of the election and raised concerns about the influence of money in local politics.
As the investigation into Thao’s alleged misconduct continues, Taylor remains determined to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable. The fallout from this scandal is sure to have far-reaching consequences for Oakland politics, as residents demand transparency and accountability from their elected officials.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more details emerge.
Sheng Thao, the former mayor of Oakland, California, has been indicted by a federal grand jury, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
The indictment comes seven months after an FBI raid on Thao’s home and two months after she was recalled by voters in Oakland.
The anonymous source interviewed by the Chronicle added that the formal announcement of the indictment was scheduled to take place on Friday, so little is known about what exactly Thao will be charged with. On Thursday the US attorney’s office issued a press advisory stating that the FBI, US Postal Service and US Internal Revenue Service would reveal a “significant law enforcement action”, reported Oaklandside, a local news outlet.
Thao’s brief tenure as the mayor of Oakland has been marked with controversy that culminated in her being removed from the office in a recall. The district attorney was also recalled during that election. Thao fired Oakland’s police chief, Leronne Armstrong, in February 2023. She argued that she lost confidence in Armstrong after an investigation implicated him in systemic failures within the department and after he publicly accused the federal watchdog of corruption, without evidence, the Guardian reported last October.
She was also accused of being soft on crime which her critics say contributed to the loss of the baseball team the Oakland Athletics and the departure of chain restaurants In-N-Out and Denny’s.
Following the June FBI raid, Thao denied any wrongdoing and argued that the raid was suspiciously timed since it came days after backers of a mayoral recall were informed by the city clerk that they had collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, the Guardian reported last June.
Thao was elected as Oakland’s mayor in 2022, becoming the first Hmong American woman to lead a major US city and the youngest Oakland mayor in 75 years. Before that, she had a built a long reputation of community involvement and activism and had served as an intern for Oakland’s vice-mayor Rebecca Kaplan. She had pledged to fill vacancies in Oakland’s corruption-plagued police force and vowed to invest in violence prevention programs.
Thao served just 18 months as mayor before a recall effort was launched – the first in the city in more than a century – bankrolled by wealthy tech and crypto executives. She was ousted in the November election.
The Guardian reached out to Thao’s attorney Jeff Tsai for comment on the reported incoming indictment but did not get a response at the time of publication. Tsai told the Mercury News that neither he nor Thao had been contacted by the US attorney’s office and was unaware of new movement into the federal investigation.
Former Oakland mayor Sheng Thao indicted months after being recalled
In a shocking turn of events, former Oakland mayor Sheng Thao has been indicted on charges of corruption and embezzlement just months after being recalled from office. Thao, who was once seen as a rising star in Oakland politics, now faces serious legal trouble that could land her behind bars.
The indictment alleges that Thao used her position as mayor to embezzle funds from the city and engage in corrupt practices for personal gain. The charges come as a devastating blow to Thao’s reputation and political career, which had already been tarnished by the recall effort that removed her from office.
Thao’s indictment has sent shockwaves through the Oakland community, with many residents expressing disbelief and disappointment at the allegations against a former leader they once trusted. The news has also raised questions about the integrity of Oakland’s political system and the need for greater transparency and accountability among elected officials.
As Thao prepares to face the legal consequences of her alleged actions, the people of Oakland are left to grapple with the fallout of a scandal that has rocked their city to its core. Only time will tell what the future holds for Thao and the legacy she leaves behind in Oakland politics.
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has reportedly been criminally indicted by a federal grand jury, following an extensive FBI corruption investigation.
The East Bay Times reports her partner, Andre Jones, is also being indicted.
More information is expected at a press conference Friday morning.
Thursday night, ABC7 News talked the Thao’s former chief of staff.
“Two years ago, everyone said I was lying and tonight, everyone knows I was telling the truth,” said Renia Webb. She said this moment is a reset for the City of Oakland.
TIMELINE: FBI political corruption probe involving Oakland Mayor Thao (1 of 10)
Thao was elected mayor of Oakland in 2022, and was then recalled by voters last fall.
The news was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle.
“I’m honestly sad about Sheng. Again, she’s a mom. She’s very bright and smart. She just made really foolish decisions. She has to deal with the consequences of her actions,” said Webb.
The FBI raided Thao’s home last summer along with several other locations, including properties belong to the Duong family.
The family holds Oakland’s curbside recycling contract with California Waste Solutions. That family has been the focus of a city probe into campaign contributions.
In front of cameras days after the raid, former Mayor Thao denied any wrongdoing.
“I want to be crystal clear; I have done nothing wrong, and I can tell you with confidence that this investigation is not about me,” said Thao in June 2024.
It is not clear what charges Thao faces — we reached out to attorneys and investigators but have not heard back.
Webb testified in front of a federal grand jury last month.
“I was informed there was pay-to-play behavior going on. That there was corrupt behavior going on in that administration,” said Webb.
Report details Andy Duong family’s political ties and who they donated to, including Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao whose home was raided by the FBI.
Thursday evening, ABC7 News insider Phil Matier says the federal indictment has profound implications.
“For a long time the question was — was she involved or was she just in the room? Did something happen or was it an associate of hers? Was it her live-in boyfriend, is it other people? If this indictment comes out, then what we are saying is we know she was directly involved in some way,” said Matier.
He went on to say, “The feds don’t mess around. If federal money is involved, they are going to do an investigation. They have zero tolerance for public officials bartering or dealing on the side.”
Webb says let this be a lesson to other elected leaders.
“Serve the people in the way you are supposed to with honesty and transparency and if you don’t, you are going to get recalled and you might go to jail if you are doing illegal and corrupt stuff,” said Webb.
In a shocking turn of events, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been criminally indicted by a federal grand jury, according to a recent report. The recall of Mayor Thao, which was initiated by frustrated residents, has now taken a drastic turn as she faces serious criminal charges.
The details of the indictment have not yet been made public, but this development has sent shockwaves through the city. Mayor Thao, who was elected on a platform of transparency and accountability, now finds herself in the center of a legal storm.
The residents of Oakland deserve better leadership, and this latest development only adds to the chaos and instability in city government. As this story continues to unfold, it is clear that the people of Oakland are demanding answers and accountability from their elected officials.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Inglewood, Calif. – Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, are donating an initial $15 million in emergency funding for people affected by the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.
The Ballmer Group announced the donation Thursday on its website, saying it will go toward addressing immediate food and shelter needs in the community and supporting first responders.
“We love L.A. and are committed to supporting the communities affected by the devastating wildfires,” the couple said, adding the donation would help “particularly in the historic, racially diverse community of Altadena.”
Balmer was born in Detroit and went to Country Day School in Beverly Hills.
The Ballmer Group also is behind FireAid, a concert to be held Jan. 30 at Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum, which is also owned by Ballmer.
“We understand there will be a long road to recovery for the LA region and remain committed to supporting the community,” the couple said.
Their donation covers four wildfire relief funds, two emergency shelters and emergency housing funds, two food and basic needs groups, two first responder groups, and nine groups that support basic needs for students and families.
No waivers needed
Division I men’s basketball teams will be able to play two exhibitions against any other four-year schools without needing a waiver that required game proceeds be donated to charity under a change approved at the NCAA convention.
The men’s basketball oversight committee for Division I approved the proposal taking effect with the 2025-26 season. The change also eliminates the requirement that proceeds be donated to charity with schools free to choose how to split up the revenue from those exhibitions. The new rule also lifts the mandate that preseason practice scrimmages be played in private without official scoring.
Horizon women
Oakland 75, (at) Milwaukee 72 (OT): Macy Smith scored five of Oakland’s nine points in overtime and finished with a career-high 25 points. Maddy Skorupski scored 12 of her 14 points after halftime and made a game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation. She also had nine assists. Oakland, which ended a three-game losing streak, is 7-10 overall and 5-3 in the Horizon.
(At) Green Bay 70, Detroit Mercy 47: Emaia O’Brien led the Titans (11-5, 5-3 Horizon) with 15 points and Aaliyah McQueen added nine.
Michigan-area basketball schedule
MEN
Wednesday
Calvin 73, Adrian 43
Hope 81, Kalamazoo 71
Michigan State 90, Penn State 85
Oakland 72, IU Indianapolis 59
Olivet 69, Albion 66
Trine 77, Alma 48
Thursday
Grand Valley 62, Davenport 60
Lake Superior 107, Purdue Northwest 73
Michigan Tech 68, Saginaw Valley 66
Minnesota 84, Michigan 81 (OT)
Parkside 78, Ferris State 66
Wayne State 82, Northern Michigan 67
Saturday
Eastern Michigan at Bowling Green, 2
Buffalo at Western Michigan, 1
Central Michigan at Northern Illinois, 2
Wayne State at Michigan Tech, 2
Saginaw Valley State at Northern Michigan, 3
Davenport at Roosevelt, 4
Ferris State at Purdue Northwest, 4
Lake Superior State at Parkside, 4
Sunday
Illinois at Michigan State, noon
Northwestern at Michigan, 2
WOMEN
Wednesday
Buffalo 77, Eastern Michigan 55
Calvin 69, Albion 51
Central Michigan 75, Akron 55
Hope 97, Kalamazoo 43
Michigan 82, Washington 69
Michigan State 70, Rutgers 60
Olivet 54, Saint Mary’s 52
Trine 79, Adrian 49
Western Michigan 41, Toledo 38
Thursday
Ferris State 75, Parkside 69
Grand Valley 110, Davenport 51
Green Bay 70, Detroit Mercy 47
Michigan Tech 84, Saginaw Valley 46
Oakland 75, Milwaukee 72 (OT)
Purdue Northwest 70, Lake Superior 60
Wayne State 61, Northern Michigan 60
Saturday
Rutgers at Michigan, noon
Eastern Michigan at Central Michigan, 1
Western Michigan at Kent State, 1
Wayne State at Michigan Tech, noon
Saginaw Valley State at Northern Michigan, 1
Lake Superior State at Parkside, 2
Davenport at Roosevelt, 2
Ferris State at Purdue Northwest, 2
Sunday
Michigan State at Illinois, 3
In a heartwarming act of generosity, a Detroit native has pledged to donate $15 million to support wildfire relief efforts in California. The unnamed donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has expressed a deep desire to help those affected by the devastating fires that have swept through the state.
The donation comes at a crucial time as wildfires continue to rage across California, destroying homes, displacing families, and wreaking havoc on communities. The funds will be used to provide essential resources and support for those in need, including emergency shelters, food, and medical assistance.
In other news, a group of Oakland women have emerged victorious in a local competition, showcasing their talent and dedication to making a difference in their community. The women, who have been working tirelessly to promote social justice and equality, have been recognized for their outstanding contributions and commitment to creating positive change.
This inspiring combination of philanthropy and activism serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to make a difference in the world. From generous donations to grassroots activism, every effort counts in the fight against injustice and hardship. Let’s continue to support and uplift one another as we strive to create a better, more compassionate world for all.
