Hendu Remembered

I was very surprised Sunday morning Dec 27 to read about the loss of former player and broadcaster Dave “Hendu” Henderson of the Seattle Mariners. He lost his life that day after having a massive heart attack he was 57 years of age.

He was not only a popular former Mariner he was the very first player the Mariners drafted in the amateur draft in 1977. He was not a player I had ever heard of at the time which is understandable because he was just coming out of high school. He took only four years to make it to the major leagues. He is in a long line of very good centerfielders having had over the time of the franchise. It started out with Rupert Jones and of course Henderson was traded to the Boston Red Sox after six seasons with the Mariners. Hendu career actually flourished more with the Red Sox and the Oakland Athletics; however, the Seattle Mariner fans considered him one of our own when he retired and returned as a broadcaster. What made him really special was that he always had a smile on his face. The last game I saw the Mariners play against the Tampa Bay Rays in Safeco Field I was on my way to get two jerseys at the Mariner team store I saw Hendu talking with a young boy. I knew it was him because of his smile. No one had a smile like Hendu.  

When Jamie Moyer was inducted into the Mariner’s Hall of Fame this last summer I wondered who would be the next inductee and how long it would take to take place. Now after his death I figure there should be no one else ahead of Hendu to be put into the Mariners Hall Of Fame this coming September. I am sure the next player to make the Mariners Hall of Fame after Hendu would likely be Ichiro when he retires. The only other player I can even think the Mariners would induct into their HOF would be Bret Boone. I am sure if I think harder I will likely find some other names.

Anyway Dave “Hendu” Henderson we will be thinking of you and rest in peace. I am sure the Mariners will memorialize you on the opening of the 2016 season and the players likely will wear a patch with “Hendu” on it. I am sure the Mariners will have another day to give you honor as well, however, I think the best tribute would be to add you to the Mariners HOF and see a flag with your name  on it outside the outfield in Safeco Field. I know I won’t forget the catches you made in centerfield in the old Kingdome.