Tom Henke

Thomas Anthony (Tom) Henke (born December 21, 1957 in Kansas City, Missouri) was a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was one of the most dominant closers during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

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On the mound, Henke was easily recognizable because of the large glasses he wore at a time when many players were beginning to use contact lenses instead. At a height of 6' 5", he cast an imposing figure and dominated batters with his fastball and forkball. Henke struck out 9.8 batters per 9 innings pitched over his career, an exceptional rate.

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Over his career, he played for the Texas Rangers (1982-1984, 1993-1994), Toronto Blue Jays (1985-1992), and St. Louis Cardinals (1995). He was a large factor in the Toronto Blue Jays' successful run in the mid 80s and early 90s, which culminated in their first World Series championships in 1992.

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Tom 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, in which he also won the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award.

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As of 2003, his 311 career saves were ranked 12th all-time on the career saves list.

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December 21: December 21 is the 355th day of the year (356th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 10 days remaining....

1957: 1957 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar....

Kansas City, Missouri: Kansas City, Missouri...

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