Dave Henderson – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Dave Henderson, or “Hendu” as everyone called him, made a real mark on Major League Baseball over his 14 seasons. He bounced around between a few teams—Seattle Mariners, Boston Red Sox, and most memorably, the Oakland Athletics, where he played a big role during their late 1980s run. Henderson hung up his cleats in 1994 after a final season with the Kansas City Royals, closing out a career with 197 home runs, 708 RBIs, and a .258 average over 1,538 games.

But honestly, Henderson stood out for more than just his clutch hits or his glove in center field. His personality was magnetic. Even after he retired, he’d sign autographs with “Still having fun,” and you could tell he meant it. That smile—huge, genuine—became his signature. Fans and teammates loved him for the way he lit up a clubhouse, from his Seattle debut in 1981 right through his last games with Kansas City in ’94.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Dave Henderson’s path to the majors started out in central California, where he made it clear early on that he was both athletic and obsessed with baseball. Those early years really set the stage for his long Major League career.

Birthplace and Childhood

Born July 21, 1958, in Merced, California—right in the Central Valley—Henderson grew up surrounded by agriculture and sunshine, which gave him plenty of chances to play ball all year.

As a kid, Henderson just looked like an athlete. He kept growing until he hit 6’2″ and 210 pounds, which definitely helped him later as a power hitter and outfielder.

The 1960s in the Central Valley? That was a time of change for baseball, and Henderson soaked it all in, shaping his style along the way.

High School and College Baseball

He went to Dos Palos High School in Dos Palos, California, and was pretty much a star in every sport he tried. On the baseball field, he showed off all five tools—hitting, power, speed, fielding, and a cannon for an arm.

Coaches kept talking about his natural swing and how he just seemed to know where the ball would be. After high school, he moved on to Fresno State University, where he faced tougher competition and kept getting better.

At Fresno State, Henderson’s power and athleticism in the outfield caught the eyes of scouts, who started paying close attention to his progress.

Path to Professional Baseball

Henderson’s strong college numbers made him a top pick in the 1977 MLB Draft. The Seattle Mariners grabbed him in the first round, 26th overall.

He signed with Seattle and started his pro career in the minors. Coaches there worked with him, and he kept improving.

Henderson adjusted to pro pitching and got better every year. By 1981, he’d done enough to get called up to the bigs.

That call-up kicked off a 14-year Major League career across five teams, with memorable stretches in Seattle, Boston, and Oakland. The early days in California’s Central Valley really prepared him for the grind of pro ball.

Path to the Major Leagues

Henderson’s road to the majors wasn’t just about talent; he put in the work and kept getting better. His rise through the ranks showed off his power at the plate and his glove in the outfield—both things that became his trademarks.

Draft and Minor League Development

Seattle picked Henderson in the first round (26th overall) of the 1977 draft. As a young outfielder from Dos Palos, he showed real promise in the minors.

He flashed power early, but like a lot of young players, he needed time to find his groove. He had some rough patches with consistency.

By 1979, playing for San Jose in the California League, he finally broke out. He hit .300 with 27 home runs and 99 RBIs—numbers that put him among the league’s best.

That mix of power and defense made Henderson a top Mariners prospect during the late ’70s. You could see he had all the tools for the majors.

Major League Debut and Early Impact

Henderson got the call and debuted with the Mariners on April 9, 1981. He was 22, joining a young franchise still trying to find its way.

His rookie season had some ups and downs—he played in 67 games and learned a lot on the fly.

By his second year, he started carving out a regular spot. His power numbers ticked up, and he kept making plays in the outfield.

People gravitated toward Henderson—he was always smiling, always positive. Those first years in Seattle helped him build the confidence and skills he’d need for the playoffs down the line.

The Mariners didn’t win much back then, but Henderson was a bright spot and gave fans hope for the future.

MLB Career Overview

Henderson’s big league journey lasted 14 seasons with five teams. He became a reliable outfielder with plenty of pop in his bat. Fans remember him for clutch moments in the playoffs and for always keeping things upbeat.

Years with the Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners drafted Henderson in 1977, and he made his MLB debut in 1981.

He spent six seasons with Seattle, from 1981 to 1986. During that time, he kept working on his craft and started to show real power.

Even though the Mariners struggled, Hendu stayed upbeat. His defense in center and his bat made him a player to watch.

By the time he left Seattle, Henderson had established himself as a solid big leaguer with untapped upside.

Time with the Boston Red Sox

Henderson’s stint with the Boston Red Sox in 1986-87 wasn’t long, but wow—it was memorable. Boston traded for him late in the 1986 season, and he made an instant impact in the playoffs.

Game 5 of the ALCS against California? Henderson hit a two-out, two-strike homer in the ninth to save Boston’s season. That blast helped send the Red Sox to the World Series.

Boston didn’t win it all—the Mets pulled off that wild Game 6—but Henderson’s heroics are still legendary. He became known for coming through when it mattered most.

His time with the Red Sox was short but unforgettable.

Stint at Kansas City Royals

Henderson wrapped up his MLB career with the Kansas City Royals in 1994. At 36, he joined the Royals to add some veteran presence.

He hit .247 with 5 homers and 31 RBIs in 56 games during a season cut short by the strike. While his numbers dipped, he kept the mood light in the clubhouse.

The 1994 strike ended the season—and Henderson’s playing days. Not exactly the exit anyone wanted, but that’s how it went.

His time with Kansas City was short and less productive, but it closed out a 14-year run in the majors.

Oakland Athletics Era

Henderson hit his peak with the Oakland Athletics from 1988 to 1993. Oakland was on fire during those years.

As part of the “Bash Brothers” A’s, Henderson helped the team make three straight World Series (1988-1990), winning it all in 1989. He played a big role, both with his bat and his defense in center.

His best year came in 1991, when he made his only All-Star team. That season, he showed off everything—power, defense, leadership.

Those Oakland years? That’s when Henderson was at his best. He thrived on a winning team and always seemed to step up in the postseason.

Key Achievements and Milestones

Henderson made a name for himself as a clutch performer. His postseason heroics and steady play earned him plenty of respect.

Postseason Heroics and ALCS Performances

Henderson’s most famous moment came in the 1986 ALCS with Boston. Down 5-4 in the ninth, he crushed a two-run homer to keep the Red Sox alive.

That swing made him a legend among Red Sox fans. It’s wild to remember he’d struck out three times earlier in that game.

“I was just trying to get a ball I could hit hard,” Henderson said later, remembering the moment.

He kept hitting in the clutch throughout his career. In four ALCS appearances (1986 with Boston, 1988-1990 with Oakland), he delivered when it counted.

Participation in World Series

Henderson played in three straight World Series with Oakland (1988, 1989, 1990). The A’s won it all in 1989, sweeping the Giants in the “Bay Bridge Series.”

He chipped in with big hits and solid defense that October. That 1989 championship was his only World Series title.

He also played in the 1986 World Series with Boston, though the Red Sox lost to the Mets in a heartbreaking seven games.

In all, Henderson hit 4 home runs and posted a solid average in his Fall Classic appearances.

All-Star Team Selection

Henderson hit the peak of individual recognition when he made the All-Star team in 1991 as a member of the Oakland Athletics.

That year, Henderson put together one of his finest seasons. He showed off the power and defensive skills that made him so valuable in the Athletics’ outfield. He joined teammates like Rickey Henderson and Dennis Eckersley at the Midsummer Classic.

Getting picked for the All-Star team really cemented Henderson’s standing among the top players of his era. He only made the All-Star roster once, but that nod reflected how steady and important he was to some top-tier teams.

Career Highlights and Awards

Over 14 seasons, Henderson stacked up some impressive numbers:

• 197 home runs
• 708 RBIs
• .258 lifetime batting average
• 286 doubles
• 50 stolen bases

Fans and teammates knew Henderson for his steady defense in center field. He covered a ton of ground and did it with an easy consistency that made pitchers breathe easier.

From 1988 to 1993 with the Oakland A’s, Henderson enjoyed his most productive years, averaging more than 20 homers a season.

That trademark grin and upbeat energy earned him the nickname “Hendu.” People loved having him around. After his playing days, Henderson stuck with the game as a broadcaster for the Seattle Mariners from 1997 to 2006.

Statistical Contributions

Dave Henderson put up solid stats over his 14-year MLB career, running from 1981 to 1994. If you look at the numbers, you’ll see a player who chipped in across the board—offense, defense, you name it.

Runs and RBI

Henderson crossed the plate 784 times in his career, showing he could score and drive in runs. His best year for runs came in 1988 with Oakland, when he scored 100 times in the middle of a loaded lineup.

He drove in 708 runs over his career, and his RBI totals really took off during his Oakland years. Henderson had a knack for coming through in the clutch.

His postseason heroics are legendary. In elimination games, Henderson delivered several crucial RBIs—none bigger than his game-saving homer in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS for Boston against California.

Hits and Walks

Henderson collected 1,324 hits during his career that ended in 1994, batting .258 overall. He slugged 197 home runs, proving he had real pop from the right side.

He drew 582 walks over his career, showing patience at the plate. That discipline helped him post a .336 on-base percentage—quite a bit higher than his batting average.

His 1988 campaign with Oakland was probably his best at the plate. Henderson hit .304, belted 24 homers, and worked 78 walks. He really put it all together that year.

Stolen Bases

Henderson didn’t rely on speed, but he still swiped 50 bases in the big leagues. He used his instincts and timing more than flat-out quickness, making him a smart baserunner.

Early on with Seattle, he ran more, using his athleticism on the bases. As he moved on to the Athletics, Red Sox, Giants, and Royals, he shifted toward being a power hitter, and the steals dropped off.

Still, when Henderson did run, he usually picked his spots wisely and rarely got thrown out.

Signature Moments and Notable Games

Dave Henderson’s career is full of clutch moments that turned games—and sometimes entire series—on their heads. He had a flair for the dramatic and seemed to thrive when the stakes were highest.

Iconic Home Runs

Henderson’s most unforgettable swing came in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS against the California Angels. The Red Sox were one strike from elimination, but Henderson smashed a two-run homer off Donnie Moore, flipping the script. The Sox took the series and won the pennant.

That home run instantly made Henderson a postseason hero. His leap of joy after connecting is burned into the memories of Red Sox fans everywhere.

With Oakland, Henderson kept the clutch home runs coming. In 1989, he hit several game-winners, adding to his reputation as a guy you wanted at the plate in big moments.

Memorable Postseason Games

After 1986, Henderson kept shining in October. He hit a key home run in Game 3 of the 1989 World Series, helping the A’s finish off their sweep of the Giants after the earthquake delay.

He played in four straight World Series (1988–1991) with Oakland, always showing up when the pressure was on.

In the 1990 ALCS, Henderson faced his old team, the Red Sox, and came through with several big hits. He just seemed to rise to the occasion against top pitching.

Influence on Team Success

The Athletics went an incredible 23-1 in games when Henderson homered one season. That’s the kind of impact he had.

Henderson’s positive vibe and famous smile lifted the mood in the clubhouse. Teammates often said his laid-back attitude helped them stay loose, especially when things got tense in the playoffs.

Even after retiring in July 1994, Henderson kept inspiring players. He’d sign baseballs with “Still having fun”—a phrase that really summed him up.

During Oakland’s late ’80s and early ’90s run, Henderson provided the power and steady glove that championship teams need.

Playing Style and Positions

Dave Henderson built his reputation on versatile defense and steady offense. He could handle the outfield or step in as a designated hitter when needed, giving his teams options.

Role as an Outfielder

Henderson spent most of his 14-year MLB career in center field, where his speed and arm made him a steady presence. People called him “Hendu,” and he played the outfield with confidence, tracking down fly balls with ease.

He showed off his outfield skills most during his years with the Seattle Mariners (1981–1986) and Oakland Athletics (1988–1993). Henderson’s defense always paired nicely with his offense.

He never won a Gold Glove, but he kept up solid fielding percentages. He read the ball off the bat well and made tough plays look pretty routine.

Designated Hitter Tenure

Later in his career, Henderson sometimes shifted to designated hitter, especially as his legs got a bit older. That move helped him keep playing and let teams get his bat in the lineup without taxing him in the field every day.

With the Red Sox and Giants, Henderson did well as a DH. He kept hitting, especially against lefties, and provided value even when he wasn’t roaming the outfield.

The DH role let Henderson focus on swinging the bat, and his experience made him a tough out, even in his final years before calling it a career in 1994.

Transitions Between Teams

Dave Henderson’s baseball journey took him through several teams over 14 seasons. He always seemed to find a way to adjust and make a difference, no matter where he landed.

Trades and Contracts

Henderson started out with the Seattle Mariners (1981–86), where he showed promise as a young outfielder. In August 1986, he got traded to the Boston Red Sox—a move that changed his career and Boston’s playoff fortunes.

The Red Sox picked him up in the middle of a heated pennant race. After just over a year in Boston, he joined the San Francisco Giants for a short stint in 1987.

His biggest move came when he signed with the Oakland Athletics before the 1988 season. He finally found some stability there, and those years turned out to be the best of his career.

Henderson wrapped up his MLB journey with the Kansas City Royals in 1994, retiring on July 29, 1994 shortly after turning 36.

Adjusting to New Teams

Henderson showed real adaptability all along the way. In Boston, he joined mid-season and still became a postseason legend with that iconic 1986 ALCS homer.

In Oakland, he thrived in the A’s winning culture. He played a big role in three straight World Series trips (1988–1990), including their 1989 title. His steady play and good vibes in the clubhouse led to his 1991 All-Star selection.

Henderson kept things simple when it came to joining a new team:

• Bring positive energy every day
• Prepare the same way, no matter the uniform
• Adjust his style to fit each ballpark

He never ended up playing for the Mets, despite the rumors, but his biggest impacts came in Oakland and Boston.

Notable Teammates and Managers

Over 14 years, Dave Henderson played with some of the game’s best and learned from some sharp managers. Bouncing between teams let him build friendships with Hall of Famers and pick up wisdom from top coaches.

Collaboration with Hall of Famers

Henderson found himself sharing dugouts with legends. In Oakland, he built a strong friendship with Rickey Henderson—no relation, but together they made a dynamic outfield duo during the A’s late ’80s run.

In Boston, “Hendu” spent a little time with Dennis Eckersley, and they later reunited in Oakland. Eckersley made the jump from starter to Hall of Fame reliever with the A’s.

Henderson’s Red Sox stint also put him alongside Bill Lee and Fred Lynn, both fan favorites. Catcher Rich Gedman worked with Henderson during that unforgettable 1986 playoff run.

Influence of Coaches and Mentors

Tony La Russa probably had the biggest impact on Henderson’s career. When Henderson played for La Russa in Oakland, he thrived—those were his best seasons, and he got to be part of three straight World Series from 1988 to 1990.

In Boston, Henderson didn’t spend long with John McNamara, but McNamara trusted him in some high-pressure playoff moments against California in 1986. That trust paid off with Henderson’s unforgettable home run that kept Boston’s hopes alive.

Jim Lonborg, best known as a pitcher, later became a key influence for Henderson as he took on more of a veteran role. Henderson also learned a lot from Oakland’s coaching staff, especially Dave Duncan, whose pitching know-how helped the A’s rule the American League for a while.

When Henderson played in Seattle, Chuck Cottier helped shape his early approach to the game. Cottier’s guidance definitely left a mark on his development.

Retirement from Baseball in 1994

Dave Henderson, or “Hendu” as fans liked to call him, wrapped up his MLB career in 1994 after 14 seasons. That was the end of a remarkable run filled with playoff heroics and a World Series ring.

Final Season Details

Henderson’s last season was with the Kansas City Royals in 1994. By then, he was 35 and his playing time had dropped off compared to his prime. The 1994 players’ strike ended the season in August, so he only played in a handful of games.

Finishing on such a shortened season wasn’t ideal. His numbers were way down from his Oakland days—he hit just a few home runs, which was a big drop from his late ‘80s power.

Still, Henderson put together a solid career: 197 home runs, 708 RBIs, and a .258 average over 1,538 games. Not too shabby.

Reasons for Retiring

A few things pushed Henderson to retire after 1994. Fourteen years in the majors took a toll on his body, and injuries started to slow him down both in the field and at the plate.

Younger players were getting more chances, and by 1994, teams were moving in a new direction. Henderson just wasn’t seeing much time on the field anymore.

After the strike abruptly ended the season, Henderson and his son Chase became inseparable. Family started to mean even more, and Henderson wanted to be around for his kids.

Enduring Legacy

Henderson’s retirement in 1994 closed out a career full of clutch moments and infectious energy. That home run in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS against the California Angels—yeah, that’s the one most people remember.

He didn’t really step away from the game, though. He spent about a decade as a broadcaster and got into real estate and player representation as an agent.

Fans kept loving him for his big smile and upbeat attitude. He just had a way of making people feel good, whether he was on the field or off.

Sadly, Henderson passed away in 2015 at just 57, but his legacy is still alive for everyone who remembers his clutch performances and that joyful spirit.

Life After Baseball

Once he retired from Major League Baseball in 1994, Dave Henderson jumped into a pretty vibrant second act. He got involved in business, community work, and broadcasting. His personality and love for the game really shined through in everything he did after baseball.

Business Ventures and Personal Life

Life after baseball wasn’t just about work for Henderson. After he retired, “Hendu” and his son Chase became almost inseparable—friends and family called Chase his “best bud,” and that bond really defined Henderson’s life after the big leagues.

He kept his trademark positive outlook, too. When he signed autographs, he’d often add his motto, “Still having fun”, next to his name. That summed him up perfectly.

He put money into a few businesses around Seattle, where he’d spent a lot of time playing with the Mariners. Henderson’s business sense helped him stay secure after his playing days ended.

Community Involvement

Community work became a huge part of Henderson’s life after baseball. He stayed close to the game, showing up at old-timers’ games and fundraisers all over the country. Boston, Oakland, Seattle—he was welcome everywhere.

He especially cared about helping kids get into baseball. Henderson gave time and money to programs that made the sport more accessible for underprivileged kids. He loved mentoring young players, and people respected him for it.

Henderson also put a lot of energy into helping families affected by Angelman Syndrome, something his own family faced. His advocacy helped raise awareness and money for research.

Media and Broadcasting Appearances

Broadcasting just seemed to come naturally to Henderson. He joined the Mariners’ broadcast team as a color commentator, and fans quickly picked up on his humor and insights. His laugh was unmistakable, and he brought a realness to the booth that people loved.

He didn’t just stick to regular broadcasts, either. Henderson became a go-to guest on baseball talk shows and appeared in documentaries, especially when postseason stories came up—his Boston heroics always got a mention.

He approached broadcasting in his own way—never overly polished, always authentic. Fans appreciated his honest takes and deep knowledge of the game.

Health, Final Years, and Passing

Dave Henderson, “Hendu” to just about everyone in baseball, faced some tough health battles in his later years, and sadly, those struggles led to his passing at 57.

Health Issues and Heart Attack

In December 2015, Henderson’s health took a serious hit when he suffered a massive heart attack. On December 27, he passed away at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle from complications. Earlier that year, he’d gone through kidney transplant surgery—he never stopped fighting.

His sudden death shocked the baseball world, especially in Seattle and Oakland where he’d made such an impact. Even after retiring in 1994, Henderson stayed involved as a Mariners broadcaster and stayed active in community events.

He spent his last years close to his family, especially his son Chase, who has Angelman syndrome. After retiring, Henderson and Chase became “best buds”, at least according to his youngest son, Trent.

Tributes and Memorials

After his death, tributes came in from all corners of Major League Baseball. The Seattle Mariners—where Henderson played and later jumped into the broadcast booth—held special ceremonies to honor everything he did for the team and the sport. It felt like the whole organization paused to remember him.

Former teammates and even guys he competed against talked about his infectious smile, his upbeat energy, and those clutch moments he always seemed to deliver. The Oakland Athletics, where he helped the team reach a World Series, also honored their former center fielder.

Henderson’s legacy goes way beyond baseball. Through the Henderson Family Foundation, his family still supports those affected by Angelman syndrome. Honestly, that foundation says a lot about his drive to help others facing the same battles his family did.

People in the baseball world haven’t just remembered Henderson for his postseason heroics—especially that home run in the 1986 ALCS—but for his character and the way he gave back to communities throughout his life.