He had recently undergone a kidney transplant. Henderson delivered one of the biggest home runs in Red Sox history in 1986. Boston was one strike away from elimination in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series against the Angels when Henderson -- who had been hitless in the series -- blasted a go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning. The Red Sox would go on to win the game and the series.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dave Henderson," Red Sox President Sam Kennedy said in a statement. "His home run in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS was a signature moment in Red Sox history, and we shared his unbridled joy when he hopped into the air as the ball cleared the fence in Anaheim. "Hendu played just two seasons in Boston, but we always regarded him as one of us, and are grateful for the time we were able to enjoy his talent and infectious personality. Everywhere he went, Henderson made friends. He was a great ambassador for our game, and we have lost him far too soon." Henderson played an important role with the A's teams that went to three consecutive World Series from 1988-90. His best season came in '88, when he hit 24 home runs and set career highs in RBIs (94), batting average (.304) and OPS (.887). He made his lone All-Star Game in 1991, a year when he hit a career-best 25 homers.
Henderson was a lifetime .258/.320/.436 hitter with 197 home runs during a career spent with the Mariners, Red Sox, Giants, A's and Royals. He was also known for his infectious smile, which could light up a room. After his playing career ended, Henderson worked as a broadcaster for the Mariners' radio and television broadcasts from 1997-2006. He returned as a part-time radio announcer in 2011.
Reprinted from MLB.com