Dave Henderson, affectionately known as "Hendu," embarked on his Major League Baseball journey with the Seattle Mariners. Drafted in the first round of the 1977 MLB Draft, Henderson made his debut with the Mariners in 1981. As an outfielder, he quickly became known for his defensive prowess and ability to deliver in clutch situations.
Henderson's tenure with the Mariners lasted until 1986, during which he developed a reputation for his strong arm and reliable fielding. However, it was his trade to the Boston Red Sox in August 1986 that marked a turning point in his career. That year, during the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the California Angels, Henderson delivered one of the most memorable moments in postseason history. In Game 5, with the Red Sox facing elimination, he hit a dramatic two-out, two-strike home run in the ninth inning to give Boston the lead. This pivotal hit helped the Red Sox win the game and eventually the series, propelling them to the World Series.
Although the Red Sox fell to the New York Mets in the 1986 World Series, Henderson's heroics in the ALCS cemented his place in baseball lore. After a brief stint with the Red Sox, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in 1987, but his time there was short-lived. Later that year, he found a new home with the Oakland Athletics.
Henderson's years with the Athletics were marked by consistent performance and postseason success. From 1988 to 1991, the Athletics reached the World Series three times, winning the championship in 1989. Henderson played a crucial role in the team's success, providing both offensive power and defensive stability. His ability to perform under pressure was evident in the postseason, where he consistently delivered key hits and played stellar defense.
During his time with Oakland, Henderson was selected to the All-Star team in 1991, a testament to his skill and contributions to the team. His tenure with the Athletics lasted until 1993, after which he joined the Kansas City Royals. Henderson's time with the Royals was brief, and he retired from professional baseball in 1994.
Throughout his career, Henderson was known for his infectious smile and positive attitude, endearing him to teammates and fans alike.
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