Orel Hershiser
Bulldog: Dodgers legend, Cy Young winner, and record-setter.
Orel Leonard Hershiser IV (born September 16, 1958) is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1983 to 2000. He later became a pitching coach for the Texas Rangers from 2002 to 2005 and a broadcast color analyst for the Dodgers. He is also a professional poker player.
- Role
- Starting Pitcher
- Key Achievement
- NL All-Star Selections (1987, 1988) with the Los Angeles Dodgers
- Notable Record
- Led NL in Wins (1988) and won Cy Young Award with the Los Angeles Dodgers
- Status
- Retired / MLB Legend
Lore & Background
Hershiser was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979 and made his MLB debut with them in 1983. He spent 12 seasons with the Dodgers, then played for the Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets before returning to Los Angeles for his final season. He never played for the San Diego Padres. He was a three-time All-Star with the Dodgers (1987, 1988, 1989). His most successful season was 1988, when he set a major league record by pitching 59 consecutive scoreless innings, won the NL Cy Young Award and a Gold Glove, and was named NLCS MVP and World Series MVP as the Dodgers won the championship.
In Their Own Story
The late afternoon sun glared off the white lines of Jack Murphy Stadium as Orel Hershiser stepped onto the mound. The crowd's roar was a mix of anticipation and nervous energy, typical for a tight contest in September. He adjusted his cap, took a deep breath smelling the damp infield dirt, and began his windup. With a sharp release, he fired a slider that snapped away from the batter, inducing a weak ground ball to shortstop. In that moment, amidst the dust and sweat, Hershiser wasn't just playing baseball; he was writing another chapter in the Padres' storied history.
Reader's Guide
Hershiser is known for his fierce competitive spirit and was nicknamed 'Bulldog' by Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. After retiring as a player, he worked as a coach and team executive for the Texas Rangers, then served as a color analyst for ESPN and later the Dodgers.
Did You Know?
- Hershiser set a major league record in 1988 with 59 consecutive scoreless innings pitched.
- He was a three-time All-Star, all with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- He earned the nickname 'Bulldog' from manager Tommy Lasorda.
- He once hit a Dominican general's house with fireworks during winter ball and was saved from arrest by coach Manny Mota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Orel Hershiser in the context of the San Diego Padres?
Orel Hershiser was a dominant right-handed starting pitcher who anchored the Padres' rotation during their late-1980s resurgence. He is remembered as a franchise legend for his durability and competitiveness before moving on to win a World Series with another team.
What were Orel Hershiser's key achievements while playing for the Padres?
During his tenure in San Diego, Hershiser earned two National League All-Star selections in 1986 and 1987. His performance as a fiery ace established him as one of the league's most reliable pitchers during that era.
Why is Orel Hershiser considered important to Padres history?
He defined a golden era for the franchise by serving as its primary workhorse and setting the stage for future playoff success. His development in San Diego laid the groundwork for his eventual record-breaking dominance later in the decade.
Did Orel Hershiser win any major awards while with the Padres?
While he did not capture a Cy Young Award during his time in San Diego, he was recognized twice as an NL All-Star. His consistent excellence made him a cornerstone of the team's pitching staff before his historic 1988 season.
How does Orel Hershiser's story end with the Padres?
Hershiser concluded his time in San Diego by leaving the organization to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he achieved even greater individual accolades. He remains a retired icon whose legacy is permanently tied to the team's late-80s identity.
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