Tom Henke, nicknamed “The Terminator” was one of the most dominant and feared closers in Major League Baseball, during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
During his career, Henke spent time pitching for the Texas Rangers (1982-84, 1993-94) Toronto Blue Jays (1985-92) and one season in the National League with the St. Louis Cardinals (1995.)
On the mound he was an imposing figure standing 6’ 5” and baffling hitters early in the count with his fastball, before using his forkball to strike out hitters.
During his 14 year career, Henke was named to the All Star Team twice, first in 1987 when he led the American League with 34 saves and 62 games finished and again in his last season in 1995. He compiled an impressive ratio of striking out 9.8 batters per nine innings pitched.
Henke is best known for his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, beginning when he was named the team’s closer in 1986 and compiling 217 saves during his tenure as a Blue Jay. He played an integral role in the Blue Jays first championship, a six game defeat of the Atlanta Braves in the 1992 World Series.
He was the seventh reliever to eclipse the 300 saves plateau and upon his retirement, Henke’s 311 career saves ranked 5th on the all-time list.
Henke was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Mary’s Ontario in June, 2011.
Tom Henke, nicknamed “The Terminator” was one of the most dominant and feared closers in Major League Baseball, during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
During his career, Henke spent time pitching for the Texas Rangers (1982-84, 1993-94) Toronto Blue Jays (1985-92) and one season in the National League with the St. Louis Cardinals (1995.)
On the mound he was an imposing figure standing 6’ 5” and baffling hitters early in the count with his fastball, before using his forkball to strike out hitters.
During his 14 year career, Henke was named to the All Star Team twice, first in 1987 when he led the American League with 34 saves and 62 games finished and again in his last season in 1995. He compiled an impressive ratio of striking out 9.8 batters per nine innings pitched.
Henke is best known for his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, beginning when he was named the team’s closer in 1986 and compiling 217 saves during his tenure as a Blue Jay. He played an integral role in the Blue Jays first championship, a six game defeat of the Atlanta Braves in the 1992 World Series.
He was the seventh reliever to eclipse the 300 saves plateau and upon his retirement, Henke’s 311 career saves ranked 5th on the all-time list.
Henke was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Mary’s Ontario in June, 2011. 
