1990 was a milestone year for Tom Henke and the Toronto Blue Jays. After years of being one of the top relievers in baseball, Henke finally won the American League Cy Young award as the top pitcher in the league. His dominant season is commemorated on card #17 of the 1990 Fleer MVP Baseball set.
The 1990 season was Henke’s 8th in the major leagues, all spent with the Blue Jays after they selected him in the 5th round of the 1982 MLB Draft out of the University of Houston. While he had shown flashes of dominance earlier in his career, 1990 was truly a breakout season for the hard throwing right hander. That year, Henke would appear in 65 games out of the Blue Jays bullpen, pitching 83.2 innings. He compiled an incredible record of 11-6 with a 1.94 ERA and an American League leading 45 saves in 48 opportunities.
Henke absolutely dominated hitters that season with his blazing fastball that routinely hit 95 MPH on the radar gun. Batters hit just .161 against him and he struck out an impressive 96 hitters while walking only 23. His saves total led the league and his ERA was more than a full run lower than any other AL reliever. Henke’s stellar 1990 campaign was recognized around the league as he took home both the AL Cy Young Award and the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award.
The 1990 Fleer MVP set perfectly captures Henke’s dominance on the mound that memorable season. On the front of the card, Henke is depicted mid-windup, his powerful right arm cocked back ready to fire another fastball. He wears his Blue Jays uniform and hat. In the background is the iconic SkyDome, where Henke earned many of his saves that season pitching in front of Toronto fans. On the back, Henke’s career stats and accomplishments are highlighted, with special emphasis on his record breaking 1990 season that saw him win the Cy Young.
Henke would go on to have several more strong seasons pitching for the Blue Jays after 1990. He was never quite able to match the pure domination he showed while winning the Cy Young. He remained Toronto’s closer through the 1992 season before being traded to the Texas Rangers. Henke spent two seasons in Texas before finishing his career pitching for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1996 and 1997. When all was said and done, Henke had appeared in 694 MLB games over 15 seasons, compiling a career record of 61-64 with 287 saves and a solid 3.54 ERA.
The 1990 Fleer MVP Baseball card commemorating Henke’s Cy Young season remains one of the most iconic cards from that set. It perfectly captures the dominance Henke displayed on the mound for the Blue Jays that year. Very few relievers have won a Cy Young award, making Henke’s 1990 campaign all the more impressive. The card serves as a reminder of just how brilliant Henke was when he was at the top of his game with Toronto. Over 30 years later, card #17 from the 1990 Fleer MVP set remains a highly collectible relic from one of the best seasons any reliever has ever had.
