Tom Henke

The Terminator: Blue Jays closer and 1992 World Series champion.

Thomas Anthony Henke (born December 21, 1957), nicknamed "the Terminator", is an American former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He was one of the most dominant and feared closers during the late 1980s and early 1990s, pitching for the Texas Rangers (1982–1984, 1993–1994), Toronto Blue Jays (1985–1992), and St. Louis Cardinals (1995).

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right
Born: 21 December 1957
Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 10
Debut year: 1982
Debut team: Texas Rangers

Lore & Background

Henke was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays from the Rangers on January 24, 1985, as a free agent compensation pick. He played a major role in the Toronto Blue Jays' successful run from the mid-1980s to early 1990s, finishing with 217 saves with the team and helping Toronto to its first championship, a six-game defeat of the Atlanta Braves in the 1992 World Series. Henke recorded 5 saves in the 1992 playoffs (all saves in 1992 playoffs for World Champion Blue Jays).

Reader's Guide

Henke was drafted on June 5, 1979, by the Seattle Mariners in the 20th round of the 1979 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign. On January 11, 1980, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the first round (24th pick) of the 1980 Major League Baseball draft (January Secondary) but again did not sign. Henke signed with the Texas Rangers after being selected in the fourth round of the 1980 amateur draft (June Secondary). He made his major league debut on September 10, 1982.

After blazing through the hitters at AAA Syracuse to the tune of a 0.88 ERA and 18 saves in innings over 38 appearances, he won the International League Most Valuable Pitcher Award in 1985. Henke was promoted to Toronto during the 1985 pennant drive and never looked back, not allowing a run in his first 11 appearances and finishing the season with 13 saves. Henke was then made the team's closer in 1986. In 1993, as a free agent, Henke signed with the Texas Rangers for two years.

Henke had a career-high 40 saves in 1993. In 1994, he had only 15 saves due to spending time on the disabled list. Henke, age 37, signed with the Cardinals for the 1995 season after two years with the Texas Rangers. The closer converted his first 22 saves for the team in 1995 ending with 36 total saves for the year. Henke decided to retire at the end of the 1995 season.

Did You Know?

Henke struck out 9.8 batters per 9 innings pitched over his career.
Henke was the seventh reliever to eclipse the 300 saves plateau and when he retired his 311 career saves ranked 5th on the all-time career list.
Henke's nickname, "the Terminator", was given to him by teammate John Cerutti in 1985 after they saw the movie The Terminator together.
Henke appeared in a TV commercial for Aqua Velva.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Tom Henke?

Tom Henke was an American relief pitcher who anchored the Toronto Blue Jays' bullpen as their closer from 1985 through 1992. Standing six-foot-five and sporting a pair of oversized glasses that set him apart from nearly every other player in the league, he became one of the most recognizable and feared figures in baseball during that stretch.

How did Tom Henke help the Blue Jays win the 1992 World Series?

As the closer for the 1992 championship run, Henke provided the reliable final outs that let Toronto close out the Atlanta Braves in six games for their first-ever title. His presence in the ninth gave the lineup and the coaching staff a steady hand to finish games and secure the pennant.

What honors has Tom Henke received from the Blue Jays organization?

Henke was enshrined in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, a distinction that highlights just how central he was to the franchise's identity despite being an American. The club has also marked his legacy with a commemorative figurine giveaway, a nod that fans still regard as one of the team's all-time greats.