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Boston Red Sox Legends: Dave Henderson and the 1986 ALCS

By Jason Haskins

BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Former MLB player Dave Henderson throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game Three of the ALDS between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 11: Former MLB player Dave Henderson throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game Three of the ALDS between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the 2009 MLB Playoffs at Fenway Park on October 11, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The 1986 postseason of the Boston Red Sox produced its fair share of blunders, but it was also the same postseason Dave Henderson became a hero.

Back in 1986, long before the Boston Red Sox were winning three World Series titles in nine years, the franchise was in a drought. Sixty-eight long years had passed without a World Series title being raised.

A young pitcher named Roger Clemens was dominating the American League that year. Coupled with former MVP’s, solid veterans, and a bit of luck, the Boston Red Sox appeared to have destiny on their side.

The late-season trade for Dave Henderson was one with defense in mind, but it was his bat that ended up making him a Boston legend, even if it was for only one game.

The Boston Red Sox in 1986 were the first team I attached my allegiance to. I was all of eight years old and, living in the western United States, likely did so because of their winning ways.

Weeks before the images of dejected Boston players in the dugout filled my eyes with tears, the joy of “Hendu” saving the season was one of true joy.

A slow start

Henderson arrived, along with Spike Owen, in a trade with Seattle on August 19, 1986.

Both would play their part in Boston’s World Series run, but Henderson took a bit longer to earn the fans’ trust.

Brought over with the intention of backing up centerfielder Tony Armas, Henderson did exactly that. The remainder of the regular season saw Henderson get only 51 at-bats.

The result? Ten hits for Henderson, with only one home run and three runs batted in.

Still, Henderson did as asked of him and contributed to Boston winning the AL East. Awaiting them in the playoffs? The AL West champion California Angels (now, of course, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim).

The 1986 ALCS and World Series

Henderson’s role remained the same in the ALCS, filling in for Armas as a late-inning replacement in center field.

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Down three games to one, game five saw Armas injure his ankle in the second inning. He gutted it out for a few innings, but by the fifth inning, it was Henderson’s time to shine.

The results were nearly the opposite.

In the sixth inning, Henderson tracked a long fly ball to the warning track. A mis-play (or the sun. Or a curse) caused the ball to bounce off Henderson’s mitt and over the wall, giving the Angels a 5-1 lead.

The Red Sox offense mustered up three more runs, closing the gap to 5-4. Rich Gedman on first, the count 1-2 on Henderson. Two outs. Top the ninth. The Angels on the verge of the World Series. The pitch and…

…the moment players dream of from the day of hitting a Wiffle ball in their backyard. Henderson’s two-run shot gave the Red Sox a 6-5 lead and he went from goat to hero. (The Red Sox would give up the lead before winning in extra innings and, of course, ultimately the series.)

Starting for an injured Armas in the World Series, Henderson again found his bat. He hit .400, hitting two home runs. He scored six, drove in five, and even had a triple.

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Henderson’s time in Boston was short-lived. He was traded to the San Francisco Giants towards the end of the 1987 season. Henderson would win a World Series with the 1989 Oakland A’s.

Dave Henderson might not be among the most recognizable of former players for the Boston Red Sox, but for me, he’ll always be a Boston legend.

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