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

Steve Henderson wrapped up his Major League Baseball career with the Houston Astros on September 28, 1988, closing out a 12-year run that started with one of the most controversial trades in baseball history. The left fielder from Houston, Texas, suited up for five different teams, but most folks remember him as a key piece the New York Mets got in the infamous “Midnight Massacre” trade that sent Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver to Cincinnati.

Henderson’s journey from Prairie View A&M University to the majors is a story of talent, grit, and the wild unpredictability of pro baseball. In his rookie season back in 1977, he almost snagged the National League Rookie of the Year award, missing out to Andre Dawson by a single point.

Even though teams pushed him to become a power hitter, Henderson stuck to his strengths. He finished with a steady .280 career batting average over 1,085 games.

But Henderson’s story doesn’t end with his retirement in 1988. His career covers his early days, unforgettable moments on the field, and a coaching career that kept him in the game for decades. From walk-off home runs to mentoring young players, Henderson’s influence on baseball lasted long after he hung up his cleats.

Steve Henderson: Early Life and Amateur Career

Steve Henderson started his path to Major League Baseball in Houston, Texas, where he was born on November 18, 1952. He kept playing baseball at Prairie View A&M University, where he sharpened the skills that caught the eyes of pro scouts and led to his selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the fifth round of the 1974 MLB Draft.

Background and Childhood in Houston

Steven Curtis Henderson grew up in Houston, Texas. Living in one of the biggest cities in the country, he got into baseball early.

Houston’s baseball scene gave Henderson a lot of chances to play and improve. The city had strong youth leagues and, of course, the Houston Astros, who joined the National League in 1962 when Henderson was just 10.

As a kid, Henderson showed real athletic ability and a genuine love for baseball. He played all through his youth, picking up the fundamentals that shaped his later career.

He spent hours on local diamonds around Houston, really getting a feel for the game. By high school, scouts were already noticing his talent.

College Baseball at Prairie View A&M University

Henderson went to Prairie View A&M University, a historically black college in Prairie View, Texas. The school ran a solid baseball program in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

At Prairie View A&M, Henderson played outfield and kept working on his hitting. The university gave him a chance to show what he could do against tough competition.

He consistently performed well at the plate in college. Scouts took notice of his batting and defensive skills, often showing up at Prairie View games just to watch him.

Prairie View’s baseball program had a reputation for turning out pro players. Henderson’s years there prepared him for the jump to professional baseball, both on and off the field.

Draft by Cincinnati Reds in 1974

The Cincinnati Reds picked Henderson in the fifth round of the 1974 Major League Baseball Draft. This came after his standout run at Prairie View A&M.

At the time, the Reds were building what would become the “Big Red Machine.” Their scouts saw Henderson as someone who could add depth to their system.

Getting drafted by Cincinnati was a big deal for Henderson. The Reds had one of the best farm systems and knew how to develop young talent.

When the Reds took him in the fifth round, they showed they believed in his professional potential. That draft pick kicked off his climb through the minors toward his big league debut.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Steve Henderson played 12 MLB seasons from 1977 to 1988. His explosive rookie year with the Mets and his part in the “Midnight Massacre” trade stand out the most.

He put up a .280 batting average, 68 home runs, and 428 RBIs across five teams. His best years came with the Mets and Cubs.

MLB Debut in 1977 and Immediate Impact

Henderson made his big league debut on June 16, 1977, with the New York Mets as a pinch runner for Ed Kranepool. He scored the tying run in the Mets’ 4-3 win over the Houston Astros.

Just five days later, he had his first big moment. On June 21, facing the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium, the Braves intentionally walked Félix Millán to pitch to Henderson in the 11th inning. Henderson made them pay with a three-run walk-off homer.

Rookie Season Statistics (1977):

• Batting Average: .297
• Home Runs: 12
• RBIs: 65
• Games: 99

Henderson set a Mets rookie record by reaching base in 29 straight games he started. Josh Satin tied that record in 2013.

His rookie performance earned him second place in National League Rookie of the Year voting, just one point behind Andre Dawson of the Expos.

Tenure with New York Mets and Tom Seaver Trade

Henderson landed in New York as part of the “Midnight Massacre” trade on June 15, 1977. The Mets sent Tom Seaver to the Reds for Pat Zachry, Doug Flynn, Dan Norman, and Henderson.

That trade happened because of a contract dispute between Seaver and Mets chairman M. Donald Grant. At the time, Henderson was batting .326 for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.

From 1977 to 1980, Henderson became a dependable left fielder for the Mets. He hit .287 with 35 home runs and 227 RBIs over four seasons.

Notable Mets Moment: On June 14, 1980, Henderson hit a dramatic three-run homer with two outs in the ninth, capping a wild 7-6 comeback over the Giants.

Henderson said he played his best when he focused on getting hits, not home runs. The Mets’ push for more power sometimes worked against his natural style.

Performance with Chicago Cubs

On February 28, 1981, the Mets traded Henderson and cash to the Cubs to get Dave Kingman back. The move was supposed to soothe fans still upset about the “Midnight Massacre.”

Henderson’s first season with the Cubs lined up with the strike-shortened 1981 campaign. He batted .293 with 5 homers and 32 RBIs in limited action.

In 1982, things went downhill. His average slipped to .233, and he ended up sharing left field with Keith Moreland and Jay Johnstone.

The Cubs traded him to the Mariners for Rich Bordi on December 9, 1982. Henderson’s two years in Chicago showed flashes of promise but also inconsistency.

Seattle Mariners Career Years

Henderson spent 1983 and 1984 with the Seattle Mariners. Those two years gave him some stability late in his career.

With the Mariners, Henderson played regularly and got a chance to rebuild his value. He contributed at the plate and in the outfield, serving as a veteran presence.

After Seattle, Henderson signed with the Oakland Athletics as a free agent on March 31, 1985. That move reunited him with his old teammate Dave Kingman.

His time in Seattle marked the end of his most productive MLB years. Henderson played on until 1988, with short stints in Oakland and Houston to finish his career.

Later Playing Years and Retirement

Henderson’s career started to slide in the mid-1980s. His batting average dropped, and he had trouble finding steady playing time.

His last MLB season came in 1988 with the Houston Astros, ending an 11-year big league run.

Oakland Athletics Contributions

Henderson joined the Oakland A’s as a free agent on March 31, 1985, linking up again with Dave Kingman. Things didn’t go well—he struggled badly at the plate.

In 1985, Henderson managed just a .077 batting average. The A’s released him on May 29, 1986, a tough moment in his career.

He briefly signed with the Chicago White Sox after leaving Oakland. The White Sox let him go at season’s end.

Henderson returned to the A’s in 1987 for another shot. He split time between the majors and their Triple-A club, the Tacoma Tigers, working on his hitting and staying connected to the big leagues.

Final Season with Houston Astros in 1988

Henderson signed a minor league deal with the Houston Astros for the 1988 season. That brought him back to his hometown.

During his last MLB season, Henderson played 35 games and got 42 at-bats, hitting .217 with a .248 on-base percentage.

He bounced between the Astros and their Triple-A affiliate, the Tucson Toros. That kind of arrangement was pretty common for veterans trying to stick around.

After the 1988 season, the Astros released him. Henderson played the 1989 season with the Buffalo Bisons, batting .298 with seven homers in his final year as a pro.

Career Batting and Fielding Stats

Henderson put together solid numbers over his 11 MLB seasons. He played 1,085 games and collected 976 hits in 3,484 at-bats for a .280 average.

He hit 68 home runs and drove in 428 runs. Henderson also racked up 162 doubles and 49 triples, showing he could hit for extra bases.

He showed good plate discipline with 386 career walks and a .352 on-base percentage. Twice, he finished in the top ten in the National League for on-base percentage.

As a baserunner, Henderson stole 79 bases and got caught 58 times. Early in his career, especially with the Mets, his speed was a real asset.

Career Totals:

• Games: 1,085
• Batting Average: .280
• Home Runs: 68
• RBI: 428
• On-Base Percentage: .352
• Slugging Percentage: .413

Legacy, Impact, and Notable Achievements

Steve Henderson’s baseball career was all about clutch moments and consistent offensive production over 11 years in the majors. Some of his biggest highlights came during wild comeback wins, and his steady bat made him valuable to five different teams.

Signature Moments and Awards

Henderson’s biggest moment came on June 14, 1980. The Mets trailed the Giants 6-2 with two outs in the ninth, and Henderson hit a three-run walk-off homer to win it 7-6.

That performance pulled the Mets within a game of .500 and was easily the season’s high point. Henderson earned a reputation for clutch hitting under pressure.

His rookie season in 1977 got him a lot of attention. He finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, just one point behind Andre Dawson, even though he played only 99 games after joining the Mets partway through the season.

Henderson also set a Mets rookie record by reaching base in 29 straight games he started. That mark stood until Josh Satin tied it in 2013.

Memorable Home Runs and RBI Milestones

Henderson hit his first major league home run on June 21, 1977, against the Braves at Shea Stadium. After the Braves intentionally walked Félix Millán to face him, Henderson launched a three-run walk-off homer in the 11th inning.

In his 1977 rookie year, Henderson led the last-place Mets with 65 RBIs in just 99 games. His 12 home runs that year helped establish him as a reliable run producer.

He finished his MLB career with 68 home runs and 428 RBIs in 1,085 games. His best power numbers came with the Mets, where he hit 35 homers and drove in 227 runs over four seasons.

With a .287 batting average as a Met, Henderson had his most productive stretch. Even though he wasn’t a natural power hitter, his knack for driving in runs made him a real asset.

Reputation as a Reliable Hitter

Henderson hit .280 over 11 seasons. That kind of consistency at the plate really showed his value as an offensive player. Twice, he finished in the top ten for National League on-base percentage.

He focused more on getting hits than on hitting for power. Later, Henderson admitted he played his best baseball when he concentrated on making contact, not swinging for the fences.

The Mets really counted on Henderson’s steady bat. He drove in runs year after year. In 1978, he smacked nine triples, tying a club record and showing off both his speed and knack for finding the gaps.

But Henderson’s reputation wasn’t just about numbers. Teammates and coaches genuinely respected his work ethic and his ability to deliver in big moments. He built that reputation across five different teams.

Post-Retirement Life and Coaching Career

After he retired in 1988, Steve Henderson jumped into coaching. He spent almost 30 years helping out in different MLB organizations. He worked as a hitting coach for major league teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies, and he also spent plenty of time in the minors developing young players.

Transition to Coaching Roles

Henderson started coaching right after his playing days ended with the Buffalo Bisons in 1989. He even won a championship with the St. Petersburg Pelicans in the Senior Professional Baseball Association before moving into coaching full-time.

The Pittsburgh Pirates brought him on board for their minor league system in 1990. He spent four years there, working with young prospects from 1990 through 1993. That first coaching gig taught him a lot about player development.

In 1994, Henderson joined the Houston Astros organization. He eventually became their hitting coach from 1995 to 1996. The Astros promoted him because he had a knack for connecting with players and helping them improve at the plate.

His experience as a .280 hitter gave him credibility with struggling players. Henderson understood the mental grind of hitting and shared real-life insights from his own 12-year MLB career.

Notable Positions with MLB Organizations

Henderson’s biggest coaching roles came with the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. He joined the Devil Rays in 1996 and served as their hitting coach during their very first season in 1998.

Tampa Bay Rays (Multiple Tenures):

• 1998: Inaugural season hitting coach
• 2006-2009: Hitting coach during competitive years
• 2017-2019: Minor league hitting coordinator

The Rays made the playoffs in 2008, which gave Henderson his first taste of postseason baseball as a coach. The team let him go as hitting coach in October 2009, but they brought him back later.

In 2010, Henderson joined the Philadelphia Phillies as their outfield and baserunning coordinator. He moved up to hitting coordinator in 2011 and 2012, then took over as the major league hitting coach in 2013. The Phillies let him go after the 2016 season when the offense struggled.

Henderson wrapped up his career after the 2019 season, capping off 46 years in pro baseball. He and his wife Pam settled in Tampa, Florida, where he also picked up degrees in Multimedia and Political Science from McMaster University in 2006.

Personal Life and Off-Field Activities

Steve Henderson built a solid family life in Tampa, Florida, while spending almost five decades in baseball as a player and coach. After retiring, he devoted himself to developing young players and giving back to the game that shaped his life.

Family and Relationships

Henderson married his wife Pam, and they’ve made Tampa their home. They stayed rooted there through all the ups and downs of his coaching journey.

He went back to school later in life, graduating from McMaster University in 2006 with degrees in Multimedia and Political Science. That accomplishment came well after his playing days.

Henderson kept his family life pretty private. He balanced his baseball career with personal commitments, and Pam supported him through every coaching stop.

Living in Tampa made sense for a baseball guy like Henderson. Florida’s weather meant he could stay close to the game year-round, and having a stable home base helped as he bounced between different teams.

Contributions to the Baseball Community

Henderson spent 46 years in professional baseball, bouncing between playing and coaching. After he retired as a player in 1988, he jumped right into coaching.

He started out in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system from 1990 to 1993. Then, in 1994, Henderson moved over to the Houston Astros organization.

He took on the Astros’ hitting coach job from 1995 to 1996. That was a pretty big step for him.

His most memorable coaching run happened with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Henderson joined their organization in 1996 and became their hitting coach for the team’s very first season in 1998.

He came back to that same role between 2006 and 2009. That second stint definitely stood out for him.

In 2008, he got his first taste of postseason baseball. The Rays made it all the way to the World Series with Henderson working as their hitting coach.

Henderson joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010. He handled outfield and baserunning coordination, then moved up to hitting coordinator in 2011 and 2012.

The Phillies promoted him to major league hitting coach in 2012. He kept that spot through 2016.

He circled back to Tampa Bay from 2017 to 2019 as minor league hitting coordinator. After that, Henderson called it a career and retired from baseball.