Orel Hershsiser is set to be inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball during a pregame ceremony at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. It coincides with a special Hershiser bobblehead being distributed to the first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance.
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the ceremony begins at 5:20 p.m. PT and will be hosted by Joe Davis, Hershiser’s SportsNet LA broadcaster and close friend, and feature Jaime Jarrín, Rick Monday and teammates from the 1988 World Series team, among other guests. It’s also going to include video tributes.
Legends of Dodger Baseball is recognition of former players and their impact on the franchise, both on and off the field. Inductees receive a plaque honoring achievements during their career with the Dodgers, which also goes on permanent display at Dodger Stadium.
Hershiser joins Manny Mota in being recognized by the Dodgers this season.
Steve Garvey, Don Newcombe and Fernando Valenzuela made up the inaugural Legends of Dodger Baseball class in 2019. Maury Wills and Kirk Gibson were inducted during the 2022 season.
“I’ve been trying to rehearse the emotions” Hershiser told DodgerBlue.com from the 10th annual Kershaw’s Challenge Ping Pong 4 Purpose. “I don’t look very good when I’m crying. It’s very, very special. In some ways, I think it’s a celebration of the whole Dodgers organization.
“Because when you’re drafted in the 17th round and then you get exposed to guys like Ron Perranoski, Roy Campanella, Sandy Koufax and all the different people in the organization that got me ready for the big leagues, and then you have a manager like Tommy Lasorda who is there to keep you going and give me a nickname. I think it’s a celebration of the whole organization.”
Orel Hershiser’s Dodgers career
The Dodgers drafted Hershiser in 1979, and he went on to make his MLB debut four years later. Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda gave Hershiser the “Bulldog” nickname during his rookie season in 1984, and it remains to this day.
The right-hander spent 13 of his 18 Major League seasons with the Dodgers.
Hershiser’s 13-year career with the Dodgers included three All-Star Game selections, Cy Young Award, Gold Glove and Silver Slugger, among other accolades. He arguably is most remembered for being instrumental to the Dodgers winning the 1988 World Series.
Hershiser is only player in MLB history to win a Cy Young Award along with both National League Championship Series and World Series MVP honors in the same season.
That year he led the NL in wins (23), innings pitched (267), shutouts (eight) and complete games (15), and set the all-time MLB record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings.
Since retiring in 2000, Hershiser has held various roles, including assistant to the general manager and pitching coach with the Texas Rangers, and establishing a successful broadcasting career.
Hershiser is one of a few original SportsNet LA broadcast members who remain with the network since it launched in 2014.
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