Any chance you remember what brand of battery it was? It seems Maxells are universally regarded as bad. The only kind I've had leak is a black battery, I think it said "Enercell" or something like that on it. (I have a ton of them in Pittsburgh and can check when I'm home next week).

The blue ones and the purple/black ones seem to stay in one piece easily no matter the age. I also have one that's green that I got last year. Bought it at some medical supply warehouse for $3.50.