Olaf Henriksen
From BR Bullpen
Olaf Henriksen (Swede)
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Weight 158 lb.
- Debut August 11, 1911
- Final Game June 27, 1917
- Born April 26, 1888 in Kirkerup, Denmark
- Died October 17, 1962 in Norwood, MA USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Olaf Henriksen played seven seasons in major league baseball during the dead ball era. He appeared in 321 games with 487 at-bats, but appeared in only 128 games in the field. His specialty was on-base percentage - with the second highest rookie OBP of all time (minimum 100 plate appearances, and since 1900) of .449. He bettered that the next year with a .457. Although he had little power, his lifetime OBP was .392 - quite useful in dead ball days when baserunners were scarce.
His batting average was excellent during the first three seasons, but then fell off sharply.
- Hit a key double in the final game of the 1912 World Series. He also appeared in the 1915 and 1916 Series.
- Henriksen was in his fourth season with Boston when rookie pitcher Babe Ruth came up. Henriksen once pinch-hit for Ruth, in 1916, and . . . drew a walk.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- Won three World Series with the Boston Red Sox (1912, 1915 & 1916)
- The only player born in Denmark to play in the Major Leagues
