Red Sox hero Henderson, 57, dies

SEATTLE — Dave Henderson, the former major league outfielder who hit one of the most famous home runs in postseason history, died Sunday in Seattle after suffering a massive heart attack.

He played for five teams in his major league career, but Henderson was best known for his home run in the 1986 AL Championship Series for Boston. With the Red Sox one strike from elimination in Game 5, Henderson hit a tworun homer in the top of the ninth against the California Angels to send the series back to Boston. The Red Sox won Games 6 and 7 to advance to the World Series.

“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,” Red Sox President Sam Kennedy said in a statement.

After his playing career ended, Henderson spent time as a broadcaster for the Mariners and ran fantasy camps for A’s and Mariners fans. He also raised funds to support research of Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affected his son Chase.

Henderson is survived by sons Chase and Trent, wife Nancy and his first wife, Loni.

DEWS: Bobby Dews, the former Atlanta coach who spent the final 37 of his 53 years in baseball with the Braves’ organization, died Saturday at age 76. He was a major league coach with the Braves in 1979-81, 1985 and 1997-2006.

“A true Brave who gave his heart and soul to our organization to help create, develop and lead one of the most productive minor league systems ever,” Braves President John Schuerholz said in a statement. “A good man and dear friend to his Braves family and he will be very truly missed.”

O’TOOLE: Jim O’Toole, a star pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1960s, has died after a long battle with cancer at age 78 in his Cincinnati home, the team said. The lefty started the opening game of the 1961 World Series, losing to Yankees ace Whitey Ford 2-0.