Mike Henneman, a right-handed relief pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Born on December 11, 1961, in St. Charles, Missouri, Henneman attended Oklahoma State University, where he honed his skills on the mound before being drafted by the Tigers in the fourth round of the 1984 MLB Draft.
Henneman made his MLB debut with the Tigers on May 11, 1987. Quickly establishing himself as a reliable closer, he earned a reputation for his effective pitching style, which combined a solid fastball with a sharp slider. During his rookie season, he recorded 22 saves and posted an impressive 2.98 ERA, finishing sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.
Throughout his tenure with the Tigers, Henneman was a consistent presence in the bullpen. He became the team's primary closer and was known for his ability to handle high-pressure situations. In 1989, he achieved a career-high 26 saves, further solidifying his role as a dependable reliever. His performance that year earned him a spot in the All-Star Game, marking the only All-Star appearance of his career.
Henneman's time with the Tigers saw him accumulate a total of 154 saves, placing him among the franchise's all-time leaders in that category. His steady performance made him a fan favorite in Detroit, where he played until the 1995 season. Despite the Tigers' struggles during the early 1990s, Henneman remained a bright spot in their bullpen.
In 1995, Henneman was traded to the Houston Astros, where he continued to serve as a relief pitcher. His stint with the Astros was brief, as he was traded again later that year to the Texas Rangers. With the Rangers, Henneman adapted to a setup role, providing veteran leadership and experience to the bullpen.
Henneman's career concluded after the 1996 season. Over the course of his ten-year career, he compiled a 57-42 win-loss record, a 3.21 ERA, and 193 saves. His ability to maintain a low ERA and accumulate saves consistently made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
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