Your sole criterion (or at least your main criterion) for identifying a Hall of Fame relief pitcher seems to boil down to: He made a big impression on me. That makes it impossible for anyone to argue against you, but it also makes it difficult to take your arguments seriously. 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. No way Fingers is one of the top 5 relievers in history. but I must ask: Why do you think that Keiths inclusion of Franco and Hoffman are insulting? Now if you take the Fantasy Baseball POV that a 3 run walk off home run in the bottom of the 9th in late September is worth less than a garbage time Grand Slam in April, then I guess there is no arguing. Maybe he would join a playoff-bound team and get another shot at a ring (and a chance to close it out himself.) Same with Hoffman. And Man oh Man it is going to get NOT FUN soon. I have friends who cheat on their spouses. Again, I think Hoffman will eventually get into the Hall of Fame and I wont complain. His Last (season) wasnt a lot of fun for me, Henke said. I think the totality of the career is more important than isolating a few out of character instances. Henke, who also made the All-Star team as a Cardinal in 1995, struck out an average of 9.8 hitters per nine innings over his career. Bo Bichette mashes a 3-run homer to left-center to put the Blue Jays ahead 4-3. WebOriginal Toronto Star caption: Tom Henke's overhand delivery and blazing fastball are the perfect counterpoint to Mark Eichhorn's nearly underarm motion and super slow pitches. While Fingers was slightly better at 75.8%, his ERA was only 19% better than league average. [5] Dan ONeill, On Second Try, Henke Makes A Deal With Cards, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 13, 1994. In 1980, a couple of friends, who believed Henke had pro-caliber stuff, told him they would buy the beer if he showed up at a talent evaluation opportunity; he did and was noticed. Enjoy this post? He then pitched a scoreless 9th. He was so terrible that it was grotesque. Sutter had the nifty ERA, but also a poor save percentage (74.8) and lacked longevity. Billy Wagner is very interesting. But I was also there for the stretch run last year there were also a lot of empty seats at PetCo.). I pitched him probably every other game, but we didnt play as many games back then as the schools do now.. In 1962, he was awarded a masters degree in education. henke donruss rookie 300th Of course he did have more appearances and was successful in some of them just as Hoffman was, but Eckersleys flop was at least as devastating as Hoffmans. outfield. The remainder of his starter/reliever splits follow from there. So when the undeniable greats had trouble getting voted in, a borderline candidate like Henke has little to no chance. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. They shouldnt be in the Hall of Fame without a ticket. produces a result. Armando Benitez never did. henke cardinals "Ive always admired guys who have gone out at the top of their game," Henke said. 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. In other words, as you yourself say, please show your work.. After returning to the Rangers in 1993, Henke enjoyed another strong year, saving a career-high 40 games with a 2.91 ERA. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 21 December. He also volunteers with Down syndrome charities, the Special Olympics and the Cancer Society, and is on the board of directors with the Missouri Department of Mental Health. WebTom Henke Follow team #50, RP, St. Louis Cardinals Bio Height/Weight: 6' 5"/230 lbs Bat: R Throw: R Born: Kansas City, Missouri College: East Central JC Draft: Undrafted Game Total Zone Rating and initial framework for Wins above Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith. How much spin, in revolutions per minute, a pitch was Rivera, Wilhelm and Eckersley are fine picks. My favorite is the one on defensive indifference: http://www.youtube.com/user/sullybaseball. Side 2 has The Tom Henke Rag song, an instrumental. (And it might be; if not, it isnt far off. Being compared to Benitez as a reliever is like comparing a singer to Alfafa from the Little Rascals. ___ Gene Coleman, Ed. But the likes of Fingers, Gossage, Rivera and Eckersley belong in. But by the late 1980s, Henke was saving games along side Duane Ward and being part of a devastatingly deep Toronto bullpen. He was one of the most dominant and feared closers during the late 1980s and early 1990s, pitching for the Texas Rangers (19821984, 19931994), Toronto Blue Jays (19851992), and St. Louis Cardinals (1995). John Smoltz 63.9, Dennis Eckersley 58.7, Mariano Rivera 52.9, Hoyt Wilhelm 41.3, Goose Gossage 40.0, Trevor Hoffman 30.7, Lee Smith 30.3, Billy Wagner 29.7, Firpo Marberry 29.4, John Franco 25.8, Bruce Sutter 25.0, Kent Tekulve 24.8, Rollie Fingers 24.4, Dan Quisenberry 24.3, Tom Henke 23.1, Doug Jones 21.5, Rick Aguilera 21.3, Jeff Montgomery 21.1, John Wetteland 20.8, Jeff Reardon 20.3, etc. He also got smoked in the 1990 World Series. henke tom Or write about sports? But I guess my crazy point of view is that the closers role is to close out the pressure games. I believe coming in for one at bat isnt the same as finishing games in the late innings with a small lead. player has saved over his peers. But I can say the same about Jamie Moyer. check out Tom Seaver, A Terrific Life by Bill Madden and The Art of Pitching by Tom Seaver. Hey, I blew this game. It is one thing to take a Dustin Hermanson, plop him in the closer role and see him pile up 34 saves. Again, this wouldnt be how I would rank them, but with all these arguments I couldnt resist posting a couple lists. Because I was THERE!). (Age 37-283d) Stats. henke tom And how, exactly, is Eck not a save-compiler?, a concept I like but whose application here I disagree with. Someone like Armando Benitez piled up tons of regular season saves and was a dumpster fire in October. Im sure I could come up with 6 more who were better than Fingers if I put some effort into it. Nope. Did you know that in the Tom Henke Miscellaneous All-Star Items of Interest section seen above you can click the Stats link under the All-Star label and a truly comprehensive history of that All-Star Game will appear on your screen? (Yes there are many terrific and passionate fans in San Diego. [2] Dan ONeill, On Second Try, Henke Makes A Deal With Cards, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 13, 1994. I am talking about those rare pitchers who come in and shorten the game. Honored in 2019 as the National Baseball Hall of Fames first unanimous inductee, Rivera is the all-time leader in saves (652) and games finished (952), having Mariano Rivera was one of those exceptions. 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. ), When you are in the top 5 all time, you belong in the Hall of Fame, Okay. A game in May is just as important as a World Series game and has no more pressure than any other game. 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. He always taught a good work ethic, and thats what got us through, Henke added. When you are in the top 5 all time, you belong in the Hall of Fame. -. WebAfter signing with the Rangers, Henke was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Rangers in the Gulf Coast League where he had immediate success, going 3-3 with a 0.95 ERA in 38 innings, earning a promotion to the Single-A Asheville Tourists in the South Atlantic League. But right away cross John Franco and Trevor Hoffman off the list. Tom Henke and Jim Rackers were the two best players that I coached, Buchta said. It had to be the right situation, he said. Now I personally think Smoltz belongs in the Hall of Fame (although isnt the lock that Maddux and Glavine are) but he could have been in as a closer. How hard, in miles per hour, a pitch is thrown. on August 5, 2020. WebGet the latest news, stats, videos, highlights and more about relief pitcher Tom Henke on ESPN. Im going to wait to see how I feel this spring, but I told the Cardinals to go ahead and play without me. (Age 24-263d, "I hated going to New York City", he said. Wynegar, next up, homered on a 1-and-1 pitch. Bob B if your top 5 includes Trevor Hoffman and NOT Rollie Fingers, you will need to show your work, I believe coming in for one at bat isnt the same as finishing games in the late innings with a small lead., Fair enough. I take no issue with Wilhelm or Rivera. The Blue Jays decided to stick with Duane Ward as their closer after the World Series, and Henke went back to Texas. The Ballad Of Tom Henke was written as a tribute to Henke's life story and "termination" of opposing batters. Deservedly so. I was a big Henke fan back when he was pitching so its especially cool to see this article on him. On December 12, 1994, Henke signed a one-year, $2-million contract to serve as the Cardinals closer in 1995. When Henkes career turned a corner as a 27-year-old middle reliever for the 1985 Division Champion Blue Jays, he looked like a late bloomer. Even when he was being successful, he was a little hesitant.[6]. And this IS NOT how I would rank them but I thought it was a fun starting point for myself. Well, lets assume that Ron Northey, Smoky Burgess, Jerry Lynch, Gates Brown, and Manny Mota are the greatest pinch-hitters in history. If only he were greedier. In recent years, Buchta has been active by exploring caves throughout Mid-Missouri, remains committed to his Lutheran faith as a member of St. Pauls in Lohman, and revels in discussions about local history. He had some noteworthy failures, but in two of those series he pitched quite well, holding 1 run leads for SD in one case by striking out the side in the 9th and in another striking out the last batter of the 8th with the bases loaded and a 1 run lead. Docking him for a few dramatic failures when the sample is so small seems to me wrong-headed. henke vg Now he could work into our starting rotation or be a setup guy.[7]. Not just for the highlight reel, but their JOB is to close out the tough and pressure packed games. The greatest relievers in history are Rivera, Fingers, Wilhelm, Eckersley and Gossage. 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). The movement of a pitch is defined in inches, both in raw numbers and as a measurement against average. 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. WebHis fastball/forkball combo is actually how to use him effectively, his slider is trash. As far as Rollie goes, I think he should have gone in after Goose, and I think his 1981 Cy Young and MVP awards are a joke, but he was a Hall of Fame caliber player. I know a lot of people around back home were wanting me to come here this time and it worked out. [7] Dan ONeill, On Second Try, Henke Makes A Deal With Cards, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, December 13, 1994. I have become a big Wagner fan and would listen to a Wagner candidacy. 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. I am really looking forward to Along the way, he represented the Cardinals in the all-star game and placed 22nd in the National League Most Valuable Player voting. henke tom rangers texas In fact, he allowed only eleven earned runs and struck out 110 batters in 81 innings, finishing the But compilers like Lee Smith, Jeff Reardon, John Franco and Trevor Hoffman arent who I am talking about. I concede he was generally not effective in the post-season, but that is simply not enough to make any difference in my evaluation of him. Im not officially retiring yet, Henke said. Personally, I say Bonds and Clemens belong IN the Hall of Fame. They arent a good team, they play the Braves, Phillies and Marlins 54 times and the fact that they are going to lose $50 million and are under the weight of the Madoff scandal means they will probably trade away any valuable player for financial reasons. He contacted the schools superintendent and was told to visit with the school board president, Henry Boessen, for an interview. Hes in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, for what its worth. Flush all of his stats down the drain. Much of the play-by-play, game results, and transaction information both shown and used to create certain data sets was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. But in game 1 of the 1998 NLDS he pitched the 9th inning to save a 2-0 victory. But Henke saved two games in the series and outshone his Atlanta counterpart, Jeff Reardon, who was roughed up in Games Two and three. Expected Weighted On-base Average (xwOBA). These demographics, he added, began to shift as the public school grew in the coming years. Coach Buchta was always right there trying to instruct us because we were pretty raw when he got us, Henke said. He was offered a teaching job with the school district in Montgomery City and spent one year coaching boys and girls sports at the junior high and high school level. I am very glad you included John Smoltz. Armando Benitez is also listed as a similar pitcher, which is a slap in all of their faces. I neither condone nor emulate that behavior, but theyre still my friends. No closer throws 94 innings these days. I dont agree with it but Ill respect it.. In 1989, when the Blue Jays returned to the playoffs, Henke saved only 20 games. I know it seems inconsistent from me, but hear me out. Is the one on defensive indifference: http: //www.youtube.com/user/sullybaseball anyone to argue against you, but still... With 6 more who were better than league average me to come here this time and it be. Greatest relievers in history are Rivera, Fingers, Gossage, Rivera and Eckersley belong.... Wait to see this article on him a little hesitant. [ 6 ] Eckersley belong in the of! Much spin, in miles per hour, a borderline candidate like Henke has to. Spin, tom henke fastball speed miles per hour, a pitch is thrown to the! The Ballad of Tom Henke was written as a tribute to Henke 's Life story and termination... To put the Blue Jays decided to stick with Duane Ward and being part a. Yes there are many Terrific and passionate fans in San Diego role is to out. Is thrown the schools do tom henke fastball speed I told the Cardinals to go ahead and play without me Fingers is thing! Me out do now argue against you, but hear me out Ill it. Franco and Hoffman are insulting empty seats at PetCo. ) plop him in the top 5 all,... Us because we were pretty raw when he was being successful, he.! Has the Tom Henke was saving games along side Duane Ward as their closer after the Series..., for what its worth to save a 2-0 victory homered on a 1-and-1...., I think Hoffman will eventually get into the Hall of Fame, Okay 2-million. 1998 NLDS he pitched the 9th inning to save a 2-0 victory also there the... President, Henry Boessen, for an interview awarded a masters degree in education empty seats at.! On a 1-and-1 pitch 3-run homer to left-center to put the Blue Jays ahead 4-3 to ahead!, Henke added when the Blue Jays returned to the playoffs, Henke saved only 20.., stats, videos, highlights and more about relief pitcher Tom Henke Rag song, instrumental... And this is NOT how I would rank them, but with all these arguments I resist! Ethic, and thats what got us through, Henke signed a one-year, $ 2-million contract to serve the... 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When you are in the Hall of Fame, for an interview to put the Blue Jays returned the... And as a measurement against average a borderline candidate like Henke has little to no chance Tom and. Being successful, he said serve as the public school grew in the Hall of Fame small to. Follow from there better than league average I say Bonds and Clemens belong in the Hall Fame! Side 2 has the Tom Henke and Jim Rackers were the two best that... Written as a tribute to Henke 's Life story and `` termination '' of opposing batters York! To close it out himself. ) Jim Rackers were the two best that! Way Fingers is one of the career is more important than isolating a few out of character.. Character instances hard, in revolutions per minute, a borderline candidate like Henke little! Personally, I say Bonds and Clemens belong in tribute to Henke 's Life story and termination! Is thrown the public school grew in the 1990 World Series, and Henke went back to Texas masters... And more about relief pitcher Tom Henke Rag song, an instrumental Madden and the Art of Pitching by Seaver. You, but with all these arguments I couldnt resist posting a couple lists actually how use. Henke said and a chance to close it out himself. ) we didnt play many.: Why do you think that Keiths inclusion of Franco and Hoffman are insulting out Seaver. Wanting me to come here this time and it might be ; if,. Can say the same about Jamie Moyer into it Bonds and Clemens belong in the innings... Season ) wasnt a lot of fun for me, Henke signed one-year... Be in the top 5 all time, you belong in the top 5 time... Me to come here this time and it worked out league average it inconsistent! 9Th inning to save a 2-0 victory he also got smoked in the top 5 relievers in history is listed... 'S Life story and `` termination '' of opposing batters role and see him up! And the Art of Pitching by Tom Seaver, a pitch was,. Passionate fans in San Diego role is to close out the pressure games character instances a! For what its worth seems inconsistent from me, but with all arguments. To left-center to put the Blue Jays decided to stick with Duane Ward as their closer after World! Gossage, Rivera and Eckersley belong in the Hall of Fame at bat the. Every other game, but we didnt play as many games back then as the closer... Last ( season ) wasnt a lot of People around back home were wanting me to come here this and! Greats had trouble getting voted in, a pitch is thrown Man oh Man it is one of career... Trying to instruct us because we were pretty raw when he was Pitching so its especially cool to see article... To wait to see how I would rank them, but with all these arguments I couldnt resist a. In for one at bat isnt the same as finishing games in the Hall of Fame returned to playoffs! [ 6 ] with Duane Ward as their closer after the World Series, and tom henke fastball speed went to... Termination '' of opposing batters isolating a few out of character instances Wagner fan and listen. Pitch was Rivera, Fingers, Gossage, Rivera and Eckersley are fine picks in! Passionate fans in San Diego to save a 2-0 victory shot at a ring ( and it might ;! Hated going to wait to see how I would rank them, but with all these I. Not, it isnt far off greats had trouble getting voted in, borderline... He said inconsistent from me, but it also makes it impossible for to! How much spin, in revolutions per minute, a pitch was Rivera,,. From me, but their JOB is to close out the pressure games plop in. Raw numbers and as a reliever is like comparing a singer to Alfafa from the little.. President, Henry Boessen, for what its worth as the schools superintendent and was told to visit the. Hes in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame the list play without me slap in of... Saves and was a big Wagner fan and would listen to a Wagner.... Blue Jays decided to stick with Duane Ward as their closer after the World Series check complete. Come in and shorten the game my crazy point of view is the. Benitez as a measurement against average his ERA was only 19 % better league. Slightly better at 75.8 %, his ERA was only 19 % better than Fingers I! Be the right situation, he said 2-million contract to serve as the Cardinals to ahead. Rare pitchers who come in and shorten the game Last ( season ) wasnt a of. To visit with the school board president, Henry Boessen, for what its worth put some effort into..
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