Orel Hershiser
Nicknamed "Bulldog" for his intense desire, Orel Hershiser was one of the most dominant pitchers of the 1980s when he was healthy. In 1988, he broke Don Drysdale's record for most consecutive shutout innings and practically carried the Dodgers into the post-season. That season he won the Cy Young and the World Series Most Valuable Player awards, as he won twice in the Fall Classic. Rebounding from severe arm surgery, Hershiser went on to win 204 games in his 18-year career.
Quotes From Hershiser
"When you're a 17th-round draft pick, you listen to the coaches, hang around succesful guys, figure out why they're succesful, and emulate them. "
"I just have a complete desire to learn and to work hard. I believe my faith keeps me humble. There's always something to learn; from the man sweeping the floors to the man running the company."
Played For
Los Angeles Dodgers (1983-1994)
Cleveland Indians (1995-1997)
San Francisco Giants (1998)
New York Mets (1999)
Los Angeles Dodgers (2000)
Best Season: 1988
He pitched eight shutouts, five of them in succession in September, as he led the Dodgers to the NL West title.
Born
Orel Leonard (IV) Hershiser was born on September 16, 1958, in Buffalo, NY.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: P
Primary Team: LAN
College: Bowling Green State
Major League Debut
September 1, 1983
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1983
Joe Carter
Tony Fernandez
Greg Gagne
Juan Samuel
Darryl Strawberry
Orel Hershiser
Ron Darling
Danny Jackson
Harold Reynolds
Nicknames
Bulldog
Similar Players
Bob Welch, Milt Pappas, Bret Saberhagen
Related Players
Fernando Valenzuela
| Hall of Fame Voting |
| Year |
Election |
Votes |
Pct |
| 2006 |
BBWAA |
58 |
11.2% |
2007 |
BBWAA |
24 |
4.4% |
|
Post-Season Appearances
1985 National League Championship Series
1988 National League Championship Series
1988 World Series
1995 American League Divisional Series
1995 World Series
1997 World Series
1999 National League Championship Series
1999 National League Divisional Series
Awards and Honors
1988 NL Cy Young
1988 NL Gold Glove
1988 NL NLCS MVP
1988 ML WS MVP
1995 AL ALCS MVP
Milestones
On July 22, 1999, pitching for the Mets, Hershiser earned his 200th career win, defeating the Expos in Montreal, 7-4.
Injuries and Explanation for Missed Playing Time
Hershiser had major reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in 1990. The procedure ended his season after just four starts, and in 1991 he made just 21 starts.
All-Star Selections
1987 NL
1988 NL
1989 NL
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