Thomas Anthony (Tom) Henke (born December 21, 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri) is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was one of the most dominant closers during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

On the mound, Henke was easily recognizable because of the large-rimmed glasses he wore at a time when many players began using contact lenses. At a height of 6' 5", he cast an imposing figure and dominated batters with his hard fastball early in the count, and his forkball for the strikeout. Henke struck out 9.8 batters per 9 innings pitched over his career, an exceptional rate. His ability as a closer earned him the nickname "The Terminator".^[1]

[edit] Career

Over his career, he played for the Texas Rangers (1982-1984, 1993-1994), Toronto Blue Jays (1985-1992), and St. Louis Cardinals (1995). He was a large factor in the Toronto Blue Jays' successful run in the mid 80s and early 90s, which culminated in their first World Series championship in 1992.

Tom Henke was named to the All-star team twice: 1987, when he led the American League with 34 saves and 62 games finished, and 1995, his last season, and only season in the National League. He also won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award in 1995.^[2]

As of 2008, his 311 career saves were ranked 17th all-time on the career saves list.

[edit] Career statistics

[edit] See also

• List of Major League Baseball saves champions
• List of Major League Baseball all-time saves leaders

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference
• Baseball Almanac Stats