Tom “The Terminator” Henke named to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame

Tom Henke, the former Blue Jays closer lovingly known as the Terminator, was named to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum today, joining Allan Simpson and the late George “Dandy” Wood as the 2011 induction class. Henke was the anchor of the Jays’ bullpen in the halcyon days of the early 1990s, helping the squad bring home its first World Series title in 1992 and wearing a sweet pair of nerdy spectacles on the hill day in and day out.

The six-foot-five fire-baller recorded 217 saves with Toronto, topping the club’s record book, and his 311 career saves are 17th best all-time. He played eight quality seasons with the Blue Jays, pitching in 446 games, winning 29 and compiling a 2.48 earned-run average. Henke’s best year came in 1987, when he was named to the all-star team and led the American League with 34 saves. Henke also played for the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals, but he always loved the Big Smoke best. Said Henke:

I’ve always considered Toronto and Canada my favourite place to play and to help bring home Canada’s first World Series win can never be duplicated. I am truly humbled and honoured, and I can’t wait to share this great news with my family and friends in Canada and in the United States.

The Terminator will be enshrined on June 18.

• Tom Henke named to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame [Globe and Mail]
• Henke, Simpson, Wood named to Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame [Montreal Gazette]
• Henke elected to Canadian Hall of Fame [MLB.com]