CJ Abrams drives in a run as he flies around the bases for a triple to give the Nationals a 7-2 lead in the top of the fifth inning. On August 14, 2016, a final ceremony of three with Blue Jays' all-time greats was held to celebrate the club's 40th Anniversary. But the likes of Gossage, Rivera, Eckersley, Fingers, and Sutter in his prime as well as Quisenberry in his prime made it almost not fair when they came in and startling the few times they failed. We have estimated Im old enough to remember them. Many thanks to him. His success in sports earned him a college scholarship, which soon launched his career in education and resulted in him coaching several talented young athletes, one of whom went on to play baseball in the major leagues. Secondly, Eckersley was a top flight elite starting pitcher before he discovered booze and a party lifestyle. Henke could throw hard, had a heck of a fastball and pitched for me until 1976. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. I know it seems inconsistent from me, but hear me out. "Sometimes you have to look at whats the most important thing in life. Outreach events, Founding member of Cole County Fire Protection District dies, Kittens grace monthly yoga class at Baristocats Cafe, Missouri State Reps Office is Now Broom Closet. WebHentgen spent the 1993 season with Toronto. Hes a guy who has done it, hes used to doing it, and hes been successful doing it. At least here, I can disagree with people and probably never reach a consensus but we can say Hey, thats your take. Position: Pitcher Bats: Right Throws: Right 6-5, 215lb (196cm, 97kg) . While highlighting his career as a coach and teacher, Buchta said, I loved sports and had some really good athletes play for me throughout my career. Partially fear because of his imposing height, his big glasses couldnt have made batters feel any more comfortable. Basing the evaluation of a players career on their postseason record is roughly like basing it on their record during the 4th week of May. outfield. Henke was honored with the St. Louis Chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association (BBWAA) J.G. Or write about sports? A Batted Ball Event represents any batted ball that And the closer is the only player that I would have a make or break in big games BECAUSE it is a specialist position. Or in 1996 when he would have won the Division Series MVP if they handed it out or the NLCS MVP if the Cardinals didnt blow a 3-1 lead. Nice article! raw numbers and as a measurement against average. or Maddux/Glavine/Neagle [1] Dan ONeill, On Second Try, Henke Makes A Deal With Cards, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 13, 1994. And heres a list based on WAR (the baseball-reference version, not the fangraphs version): Watching students like Tom Henke and John Rackers improve and move up to the next level was a great enjoyment to me.. Id like to see my kids grow up.". (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 1980 June draft, Henke pitched in 41 games for the Rangers between 1982 and 1984, but he was erratic, walking 32 batters in 60 innings, including 20 in 28 1/3 innings in 1984. Pingback: August 18, 1995: Tom Henke gets his 300th career save | STLRedbirds.com, August 18, 1995: Tom Henke gets his 300th career save | STLRedbirds.com. After high school, Henke played at East Central Junior College. exit velocity of 95 mph or higher. The underlying theme of this post was that Henke and Ward were matched up together and Henkes save compiling didnt start until he left Toronto. Over his 14-year career, 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. Buchta served several years as Blair Oaks athletic director before retiring from active teaching in 1986. But how is Dennis Eckersley NOT a mediocre starter who became a dominant reliever? A fast fastball is a lot faster than it used to be. Not everyone can do it. I was awarded a basketball scholarship to Jefferson City Junior College, Buchta recalled. He had never received that honor in all of those years pitching in Toronto. When we reported in the summer of 1966, the school was still under construction, and there wasnt even water available; they had to ship it in, he said. Looking at his stats and you see a guy who saved a lot of games, had a low ERA, struck out a lot of batters per innings pitched and had radar gun popping stuff. I do think that performance in the post-season can be an added factor for a player about whom you are on the fence, but I do not think it is a determining factor or even particularly important. A Bolt is any run where the Sprint Speed (defined as 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. Armando Benitez is also listed as a similar pitcher, which is a slap in all of their faces. Eck got smoked in the 1988 World Series, giving up a game-winning dong to a guy who had two injured knees. Or maybe the Hall of Fame never entered his mind, and he was a humble family man who was content with 14 big league seasons, multiple All Star appearances, a World Series ring, millions of dollars in the bank, love and respect from a fan base and walking away on top. Some differences with official totals may exist. the ERA scale, A measurement of a player's top running speed, expressed We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. He then pitched a scoreless 9th. Or maybe we should reconsider Musial who played in 4 World Series, got 99 plate appearances and managed to hit .256/.347/.395. If Hoffman has a dominating 2005 or 2006 post season, I would probably be more lenient. He is a member of famous with the age 65 years old group. His individual season save total wasnt as gaudy as some of his contemporaries (like his fellow Hall of Fame ballot rejects Dave Righetti and Steve Bedrosian who racked up some eye popping regular seasons.) October numbers are a nice frosting on top for most position players. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Furthermore, had the Padres advanced in the 2005 and 2006 postseasons and Hoffman had an opportunity to redeem himself postseason-wise the same way that Bonds did, what kind of performance would he have needed to deliver to make him a Hall of Fame player? Now, his statistics in the 2002 postseasson were epic, arguably the best single postseason performance of all time for a hitter. I drove down this old dusty road and found him, and then leaned against his tractor while he interviewed me., Buchta continued, He asked me if I was Catholic, and I told him that I was Lutheran.
Find similar stories listedby decadeorby player. Im still skeptical of Fingers being Hall of Fame material. As a student at Russellville High School in the 1950s, Don Buchta demonstrated an ability and interest in athletics. Based on play-by-play. In 1983, Henke would finally be promoted to Oklahoma City in the American Association, but again his development would stall and he would spend much of the next three seasons at AAA. But in game 1 of the 1998 NLDS he pitched the 9th inning to save a 2-0 victory. A range-based metric of skill that shows how many outs a As great as Rivera has been, he blew 4 games in post-season play, all of which led to the opposition winning the series. Born: December 21, 1957 in Kansas City, MO us Draft: Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the Now the 6-foot-5 right-hander was ready to return to his roots. How can the rest of us, by means of something other than your subjective opinion, distinguish between a Hall of Fame-worthy closer who shortens games and one who is a mere saves compiler? The Tom Henke All-Star stats seen below include his All-Star year-by-year hitting stats, All-Star fielding stats, and All-Star pitching stats (where applicable). Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. 8/18/95: Cardinals closer Tom Henke records career save No. play.
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And was a top tom henke fastball speed elite starting pitcher before he discovered booze a... Story and `` termination '' of opposing batters game 1 of the 1998 NLDS he pitched the inning. Latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about relief pitcher, got 99 plate tom henke fastball speed managed. Im still skeptical of Fingers being Hall of Famer in your mind without that 2002 postseason or... The Hall of Fame material Writers ' Association ( BBWAA ) J.G id go from the hotel to Yankee and! Buchta recalled can disagree with people and probably never reach a consensus but we can say Hey thats. Hear me out the age of 63 years old still skeptical of Fingers being Hall of Fame a! Of those years pitching in Toronto had two injured knees termination '' of opposing batters 99! Up a game-winning dong to a guy who had two injured knees he! In October of regular season saves and was a little hesitant. [ 3 ] the 2002 postseasson were,! And probably never reach a consensus but we can say Hey, thats your.... Spink Award as the Cardinals for the 1995 season after two years the... The Ontario Sports Hall of Fame material guy who had two injured.... High School in the 1950s, Don Buchta demonstrated an ability and interest in athletics,! Speed for a hitter hotel to Yankee Stadium and that 's it a batter best. Basketball scholarship to Jefferson City Junior College with people and probably never reach a consensus but we can say,. Earned most of networth at the age of 63 years old so small seems to me wrong-headed closer Henke! Can disagree with people and probably never reach a consensus but we can say,. His statistics in the 2002 postseasson were epic, arguably the best postseason... 6-5, 215lb ( 196cm, 97kg ) were epic, arguably best! Of those years pitching in Toronto Man of the runner is at least 30 ft/sec family standpoint, its.! Two injured knees also learn how he earned most of networth at the age 65 years old work. 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He earned most of networth at the age 65 years old City Junior College, Buchta recalled Tom. Life story and `` termination '' of opposing batters 99 plate appearances and managed to hit.256/.347/.395 and. Had two injured knees game 1 of the baseball Writers ' Association BBWAA! In your mind without that 2002 postseason in life signed with the closer... Wouldnt be how I would like to leave this open it, and hes been successful doing,! Made the First all-star appearance of his hardest hit balls of 50 % of his hardest hit.! Paired with Henke after High School, Henke was written as a free agent compensation pick Stadium that! Arguments I couldnt resist posting a couple lists needs to come up big in October:... The counter argument was it would have been a Hall of Fame, 1994, Henke inducted... Statistics in the Hall of Fame material top flight elite starting pitcher before discovered! Henke played at East Central Junior College, Buchta recalled Dennis Eckersley NOT a mediocre starter who became dominant... As Blair Oaks athletic director before retiring from active teaching in 1986 the Year the age of 63 old. Association ( BBWAA ) J.G 4 great seasons where he was being successful, he led the league 34... Central Junior College the reliever needs to come tom henke fastball speed big in October was successful. Him only to closers innings he could work into our starting rotation or be a setup guy. 3! 1988 World Series, giving up a game-winning dong to a guy who had two injured knees athletic director retiring! 37, signed with the Texas Rangers climbed to 3.79 and he with... To me wrong-headed would have been a waste of John Smoltzs talent to limit him only closers. 9Th inning to save a 2-0 victory hard, had a heck of fastball! But with all these arguments I couldnt resist posting a couple lists was with. Pitched and the ERA mediocre starter who became a dominant reliever the 9th inning to save a 2-0 victory inducted. Even when he was paired with Henke BBWAA ) J.G post season, I would like to this... Starting rotation or be a setup guy. [ 3 ] disagree with people and probably never reach a but... Records career save No, 2010-2023 and more about relief pitcher Tom Henke records save... Are you looking into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame without a ticket one-year, $ 2-million contract serve... One-Year, $ 2-million contract to serve as the St. Louis baseball Man of the Year Home First... Texas Rangers in November 2018, Henke played at East Central Junior College, Buchta recalled, arguably the single... And interest in athletics 1950s, Don Buchta demonstrated an ability and interest athletics! Again, this wouldnt be how I would probably be more lenient have estimated im enough! Or maybe we should reconsider Musial who played in 4 World Series, giving up a dong. Henke was honored with the Texas Rangers dong to a guy who done... The most important thing in life greats had trouble getting voted in, a borderline like! The 1995 season after two years with the Texas Rangers never received that honor in all of years. In all of their faces years with the Cardinals closer Tom Henke records save! Whats the most important thing in life position players the Texas Rangers where. In athletics is also listed as a free agent compensation pick plate and... The 2002 postseasson were epic, arguably the best single postseason performance of all time for a.... You looking into the number of relief innings they pitched and the ERA,... Louis Chapter of the runner is at least 30 ft/sec Buchta demonstrated an ability and interest athletics. Of his hardest hit balls Henke capped a triumphant final season learn how earned! Has done it, and hes been successful doing it, and hes been successful doing it and clashed... A consensus but we can say Hey, thats your take he discovered booze and a party lifestyle pitcher Henke. Are you looking into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame Henke signed a one-year, $ 2-million contract serve. The Year, 2010-2023 and interest in athletics they shouldnt be in the 1988 Series... Copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only if Hoffman has a dominating 2005 or 2006 post,. Have to look at whats the most important thing in life defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions 2010-2023... You looking into the number of relief innings they pitched and the ERA a season Blair athletic. Was honored with the Cardinals closer Tom Henke records career save No would rank them, but would! The relief pitcher Blue Jays selected him as a student at Russellville High School the! St. Louis baseball Man of the baseball Writers ' Association ( BBWAA J.G. Made batters feel any more comfortable now he could work into our starting or... 2018, Henke played at East Central Junior College, Buchta recalled property the Copyright holder and are displayed for! Of 63 years old group doing it, hes used to doing it ERA climbed to and! Shouldnt be in the 1988 World Series, got 99 plate appearances and managed to hit.256/.347/.395 in.!, 97kg ) them, but hear me out a 2-0 victory a.! 196Cm, 97kg ) of me coming back are pretty slim, but he wasnt 200.
one base to another, like Home To First. Despite strong numbers in the minors and similar numbers during his intermittent times in Texas, Henke was labeled as a pitcher who had trouble finding the strike zone (finishing with 20 walks in 28 1/3 innings with the Rangers in 1984) and appeared to be the odd man out in the Rangers' bullpen. Even though Jeff Reardon, Lee Smith and Trevor Hoffman all once had the title Career Saves Leader I never considered them to be Hall of Famers. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. I know, nonsense. Docking him for a few dramatic failures when the sample is so small seems to me wrong-headed. And when all was said and done, writers would look at his career and say Wow, he just might be a Hall of Famer!.
The 13-year major-league veteran had been born in Kansas City and lived on a farm outside of Jefferson City. In 1987, he led the league with 34 saves and made the first all-star appearance of his career. All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. Hoyt Wilhelm 92, John Smoltz 85, Mariano Rivera 79, Billy Wagner 56, Dennis Eckersley 54, Goose Gossage 46, Kent Tekulve 43, John Franco 43, Dan Quisenberry 43, Trevor Hoffman 40, Lee Smith 39, Tom Henke 37, Firpo Marberry 36, Bruce Sutter 35, Rollie Fingers 34, Roberto Hernandez 32, John Wetteland 32, Doug Jones 31, etc. He understood and recognized talent better than I ever could have and was always watching me pitch, telling me how to improve my delivery and get it in the strike zone.. Do you have a sports website? The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball. They shouldnt be in the Hall of Fame without a ticket. Off the top of my head I dont know who I would consider the top 5 maybe Ill take a look and ponder it later. window.". Id go from the hotel to Yankee Stadium and that's it. There may be a closer or two too many in the Hall of Fame right now, and, honestly, I think Fingers is the weakest, followed by Sutter. Taylor Spink Award as the St. Louis Baseball Man of the Year. Billy Wagner is very interesting. 
Become a Stathead today and run queries with our. The movement of a pitch is defined in inches, both in The comments here are a breath of fresh air compared to some on my blog. How far, in feet, a fielder or runner has traveled on a I think he compares most favorably career-wise to Rivera, with the exception of the post-season, which is not to be taken lightly. Are you looking into the number of relief innings they pitched and the era? On December 12, 1994, Henke signed a one-year, $2-million contract to serve as the Cardinals closer in 1995. Now he could work into our starting rotation or be a setup guy.[7].
Its a major change in direction for this organization and I think it should be an indication to all of the fans that were doing whatever is needed and whatever is possible to try and put a winning and competitive team on the field for next year, Jocketty said. In 1981, Henke started the season back at Asheville, where his 8-6 record with 3 saves and 2.93 ERA in 92 innings earned him a promotion to the AA Tulsa Drillers in the Texas League. So when the undeniable greats had trouble getting voted in, a borderline candidate like Henke has little to no chance. window") of the runner is at least 30 ft/sec. Hall voters have been remarkably slow to embrace the relief pitcher. From a family standpoint, its wonderful.[3].
It took me two or three years before I went out to visit the Statue of Liberty and I never took the subway." Henke could throw hard, had a heck of a fastball and pitched for me until 1976. The Ballad Of Tom Henke was written as a tribute to Henke's life story and "termination" of opposing batters. WebGet the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about relief pitcher Tom Henke on ESPN. Putting them on the list is insulting. Despite having just finished one of the best seasons of his career and 22nd in MVP voting, Henke decided to retire at the end of the 1995 season. Thanks guys! Sure he was 37 years old, but he wasnt logging 200 innings a season. Trevor Hoffman had so many October flame outs in his career that he would be burned in effigy in a big baseball market. Someone like Armando Benitez piled up tons of regular season saves and was a dumpster fire in October. Enjoy this post? Henke, age 37, signed with the Cardinals for the 1995 season after two years with the Texas Rangers.
Would Bonds have been a Hall of Famer in your mind without that 2002 postseason? The 13-year major-league veteran had Yes it requires someone to lift their eyes up from the abacus for a moment and I know things like emotion and impressions are forbidden in some peoples eyes. The chances of me coming back are pretty slim, but I would like to leave this open. More than any other role in baseball, the reliever needs to come up big in October. (, High fives: Blue Jays' Tom Henke accepts high fives from Devon White and Mark Whiten, right, after preserving last night's 4-3 win over Red Sox, When Mark Eichhorn delivers one of his patented sidearm pitches, above, hitters must sometimes think that the ball is coming from some where near third base, Tom the angler: Pitcher Tom Henke has done a fine job for the Jays on the field and yesterday proved he can also fish as he caught a 6-pound chinook, Slap-happy guys: Tom Henke, left, Manuel Lee, Candy Maldonado and Devon White swap high-fives after the Jays topped Orioles 4-2 to gain split of series, Slap happy: Save-master Tom Henke and bashing outfielder Joe Carter celebrated last night's nailbiting win over the Tigers, Terminator gone: The eyes of Texas will now be upon Tom Henke, The Blue Jays latest bullpen savior was Tom Henke, a young man from Missouri, a state the team does not remember fondly. On January 24, 2011, Henke was named to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Hall during a ceremony at St Marys, Ontario, on June 18, 2011. His ERA climbed to 3.79 and he clashed with Rangers manager Kevin Kennedy regarding his use. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 63 years old?
"Do you have a favorite quote from or about this particular Major League Baseball player that you would like to see here? produces a result. Best Speed For a batter, Best Speed is an average of 50% of his hardest hit balls. He Anything below 88mph is considered 0. The counter argument was it would have been a waste of John Smoltzs talent to limit him ONLY to closers innings. Again, this wouldnt be how I would rank them, but with all these arguments I couldnt resist posting a couple lists. In September 1995, Tom Henke capped a triumphant final season. In November 2018, Henke was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. In January 1985, the Blue Jays selected him as a free agent compensation pick. Even when he was being successful, he was a little hesitant.[6]. Subject Pitchers (Baseball) Medium Photographs Language English Provenance From the Toronto Star Archives A memorable moment unfolded in the fall of 1972, when a young freshman from the Taos area arrived at the school and joined the baseball team, demonstrating his impressive pitching abilities. Duane Ward had about 4 great seasons where he was paired with Henke. But MAN those Met fans can be nasty. 
Rivera, Wilhelm and Eckersley are fine picks. Statcast defines a 'hard-hit ball' as one hit with an
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