The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Manny Mota and Orel Hershiser will be inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball during the 2023 regular season.
Mota’s pregame ceremony is scheduled for April 29, when the Dodgers face the St. Louis Cardinals, and Hershiser will have his career celebrated July 29 prior to a matchup with the Cincinnati Reds.
Legends of Dodger Baseball is a recognition of franchise greats and their impact on and off the field. Inductees receive a plaque honoring achievements during their careers with the Dodgers, which also go on permanent display at Dodger Stadium.
“Orel Hershiser and Manny Mota truly define the spirit, dedication and excellence that we strive for at the Dodgers,” team president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement. “Both have been fixtures at Dodger Stadium and in the Los Angeles community for multiple generations of Dodger fans and we can’t wait to honor their storied careers this season.”
Last season the Dodgers added Kirk Gibson to the illustrious group. Steve Garvey, Don Newcombe and Fernando Valenzuela were part of the inaugural Legends of Dodger Baseball class in 2019.
Hershiser played 13 of his 18 seasons with the Dodgers, which included winning the 1988 World Series with the team. That season he led the National League in wins (23), innings pitched (267), shutouts (eight) and complete games (15) en route to earning the Cy Young Award and setting the all-time record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings.
Hershiser remains connected to the Dodgers franchise as a SportsNet LA analyst.
“I am humbled to be inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball with my wonderful friend, coach and mentor Manny Mota,” Hershiser said.
“This is the part of life that you never imagined. To think I was drafted in the 17th round in 1979 and here now I am still representing this great organization. The Dodgers have been one of the most important parts of my life. I love my teammates, I love this organization and I love you fans.
“The experiences that I’ve had in uniform on and off the field have taken my life to places I never thought I could go. Thank you so much for this recognition and God bless all of you.”
Mota has been a member of the Dodgers organization for more than 50 years as a player, coach and broadcaster. He previously held the distinct honor of being the longest-tenured coach in franchise history (1980-2018). Mota retired as the all-time MLB pinch-hit leader with 150.
“This is a great honor and a great privilege, and I’m very grateful to the Dodgers for selecting me as a Legend of Dodger Baseball,” Mota said.
“I don’t consider myself a legend, just another person who always tried to contribute to the Dodgers and give my best. I am humbled and really appreciate what the Dodgers are doing for me. I consider Dodger Stadium my home away from home, and I consider myself to be an adopted son of the Dodger organization.”
Legends of Dodger Baseball
Once the new inductees are added this season, the entire Legends of Dodger Baseball group will comprise of Steve Garvey, Kirk Gibson, Orel Hershiser, Manny Mota, Don Newcombe and Fernando Valenzuela.
Also this season, the Dodgers are going to celebrate Valenzuela by retiring his No. 34 jersey.
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