A five-tool player who excelled in all aspects of the game, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest Yankees of all time. He won seven championships and was a three-time MVP.
Bobby Henrich, born Robert Edward Henrich on December 24, 1938, is a former Major League Baseball shortstop who made a name for himself in the late 1950s with his exceptional speed and agility. Known for his impressive stint with the Cincinnati Redlegs, Henrich played parts of three seasons, from 1957 to 1959, and was frequently used as a pinch runner.
Born in Lawrence, Kansas, Henrich is a distant relative of New York Yankees great Tommy Henrich. He first caught the attention of pro scouts following his junior year at Compton High School, where he played center field for the Compton Junior Legion team that won a tournament in Anaheim. Voted the best hustling player by scouts, Henrich compiled an impressive .482 batting average in four years of Legion ball and a .484 average in high school.
In addition to his impressive baseball skills, Henrich was also a standout athlete in other sports, running the 100-yard dash in 9.7 seconds and playing football and basketball in high school. He was an excellent student and made the All-Southern California baseball team as a senior.
Henrich was offered several college scholarships and was wooed by many professional baseball teams. However, the Cincinnati Redlegs got a jump on the other clubs by signing his father, Ed, a junior college coach, as a scout. Soon after, Henrich signed with the Redlegs as a bonus baby for an estimated bonus of $30,000.
In 1957, Henrich attended spring training with the Redlegs and was tried out at shortstop by manager Birdie Tebbetts. Although Tebbetts believed Henrich would definitely make it as an outfielder if he didn't succeed at shortstop, Henrich primarily sat on the bench during the regular season, getting into 29 games, with 16 of them being as a pinch runner. He demonstrated his versatility by filling in at five different positions that year.
Although Henrich's professional career was short-lived, he left an indelible mark on the game. His exceptional speed and agility made him a valuable asset to the Redlegs, and his brief stint in the majors paved the way for future generations of baseball players.
In conclusion, Bobby Henrich's remarkable amateur career, impressive professional debut, and enduring legacy cement his place as one of the most intriguing shortstops of the 1950s.
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