Thomas ‘Tommy’ Henderson- Class of 1968
When friends, family and teammates were asked for three words that describe Tommy Henderson, many couldn’t fulfill the task. They were caught up with phrases like: ‘Simply the best,’ ‘tough as nails,’ and ‘outstanding in every way.’ Yet singular words like fierce, tough, caring, humble, compassionate, modest, understanding, teammate, honorable, musical, humorous, talented, outstanding, kind, and classy also resonated. The one that defined Tommy to a ‘T’ was ‘loyal’.
Tommy was a three sport varsity athlete, six letter winner, who competed at a time where ‘all-star’ status was few and far between, and was never driven by achieving an award, or for recognition. He did it because he loved sports, his teammates and he loved being on a field or court.
Most would have said that Tommy loved basketball. Legendary coach, Al Jessen, knew the capability of this young athlete, who earned two varsity letters during his ‘junior’ and ‘senior’ years.
Their victory over Mineola, in the North Shore II league, earned impressive press in Newsday in 1968. The team had quickness and an impressive back court.
Tommy’s teammates of Steve Johnson, David Beck and Bob Griffin could steal and score before the opponent had time to react. Tommy and Rich Edmundson, rebounding geniuses, worked together to make sure the shot counted, or got the rebound with an outlet to Griffin–to assist in making him as successful as he was credited for. He was the leading rebounder on the team that year.
Tommy’s eyes lit, when opening day of baseball occurred. Several of his basketball buddies also played on his credited three varsity letter team of which he was named captain in 1968. Tom was an ‘all around’ player as a pitcher, catcher and outfielder. But his biggest talent was hitting, especially when it mattered most, earning him the nicknames ‘Clutch’ and ‘Money’.
Tommy played both his junior and ‘senior’ years, when he served as captain, as well as an additional year of eligibility due to unforeseen family issues. Coach Stan Cutler asked that he participate. The season played out to be one of the best, as the team captured the North Shore Championship as a result from his pitching a 3-hit shut-out against Mineola with a birth to the County playoffs.
Port had a tremendous effort winning the first game of the series against East Meadow, with Tommy catching a full nine innings, and being a ‘clutch’ hitter going three for folur, scoring the first run and being a threat throughout the game. Ultimately the team ended as County runners-up.4
Coach Cutler remembers Tommy as being an amazing competitor. “No one was better than him,” he said.
He was selected to the All-County baseball team, composed of the best four players in each of the eight leagues, hashed out by the coaches.
Tommy started working locally, and joined the Port Washington Fire Department, following legendary family membership at Protection Engine Co #1. He played department softball, leading the team to six State Championships.
In addition, he played several years in the Manorhaven men’s softball league, where he headed teams to seven championships, with a highly respected bat.
Tommy has a legacy of his athletic abilities, humble and kind yet loyal to every teammate, coach and friend.
Tommy passed away on Nov. 17, 2022, in Meridan, Idaho, from an 18-month battle with cancer. He prioritized love and family over money and status.
That impact of class, sportsmanship and coming through when needed most, is the ultimate gesture of respect that his teammates always had for him, and presented wholeheartedly for his induction into this Hall of Fame.
