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).
- Tenure
- 1985–1992
Verified Timeline
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).
In Their Own Story
Henke's journey to Toronto began with a unique path; drafted but not signed by the Mariners in 1979 and the Cubs in January 1980, he finally signed with the Texas Rangers in June 1980. After developing through the minor leagues and facing challenges finding his strike zone early in his career, he found his rhythm in Toronto. In 1992, Henke capped off a stellar tenure by helping the Blue Jays defeat the Atlanta Braves in six games to win their first World Series title. He recorded all five of his playoff saves during this championship run, posting a 1.83 ERA over 19.2 innings. His dominance was defined by a hard fastball early in counts and a devastating forkball for strikeouts.
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. Henke was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays from the Rangers on January 24, 1985, as a free agent compensation pick. 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.
What was Tom Henke's role with the Blue Jays?
Henke served as the team's designated closer, tasked with protecting leads in the final inning of games. His go-to weapon was a sharp, diving forkball that made him exceptionally difficult to hit, and his iron-clad composure under pressure made him the last name Toronto called in high-stakes situations.
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.
Why is Tom Henke nicknamed "the Terminator"?
The moniker captured his seemingly unstoppable streak of getting outs inning after inning, as if no batter could ever break through. His towering frame, the intimidating forkball, and a refusal to back down in any at-bat made him feel like a force of nature that simply could not be stopped.
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.
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