SportsNet LA broadcaster Orel Hershiser is as synonymous with the Los Angeles Dodgers as any other former player for the franchise that it is often forgotten he also pitched for the Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants and New York Mets during an 18-year career.
Now the beloved World Series champion is part of a tremendous broadcasting duo alongside Joe Davis. The two have become close outside of the booth, often cooking meals together on off days or after games.
They were together again after Opening Day, during which time Davis recorded himself telling his young son about Hershiser having played for the Giants.
I love the Dodgers and I love Blake!!!
— Orel Hershiser (@OrelHershiser) April 3, 2021
After spending parts of 12 seasons with the Dodgers, who selected Hershiser in the 17th round of the 1979 MLB Draft, the right-hander signed with the Indians after the 1994 campaign. Hershiser then pitched for the Giants in 1998 and Mets the following year before returning to L.A.
Hershiser only appeared in 10 games (six starts) during the 2000 season before retiring. His career with the Dodgers included being named National League Rookie of the Year, three All-Star Game selections and of course setting the MLB scoreless innings streak record, among other accolades.
Hershiser re-connected with Lasorda
Hershiser has openly discussed the importance Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda had on his life and career, and that was again evident after the former Dodgers manager passed away in January.
“I think one of the sentimental things people should know is he’s a great letter writer. He wrote me many a letter, even after my playing days,” Hershiser recalled. “Not always around holidays, sometimes just out of the blue I would get postcards from him. A postcard that would be covered front and back with the great Tommy Lasorda stationary.
“Especially around Christmas, he would send the card and letter. After a good season or bad season with the Dodgers, he would write motivational letters to a lot of us. He was a great, great letter writer.”
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