Orel Hershiser debuted in Los Angeles in 1983 as a 17th-round pick who was never supposed to be the "Bulldog" of a major league rotation. Initially viewed as a lean, cerebral pitcher with limited upside, he underwent a physical and mental transformation under the guidance of Tommy Lasorda, who demanded he pitch with a more aggressive, high-stakes intensity.
By 1985, Hershiser posted a 19-3 record, a 2.03 ERA, and finished third in Cy Young voting. He became a key player, surpassing Valenzuela as the Dodgers' go-to in high-pressure situations.
In 1988, Hershiser crafted a season that remains legendary in baseball history. He topped the league with 23 wins, pitched 267 innings, and achieved 8 shutouts. His most notable feat was setting a Major League record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings to close out the regular season. This exceptional performance made him a national star, earning him the Cy Young Award unanimously and a Gold Glove. He continued this winning streak into October, becoming the only player to win both NLCS MVP and World Series MVP in the same year, famously closing the Fall Classic with the final out to clinch the championship. It was an incredible peak, but many great careers have to overcome an injury. Hershiser was no different.
After a torn labrum and rotator cuff surgery in 1990, a radical procedure at the time, he showed the organization a specialized determination during a grueling rehabilitation. While he never quite reclaimed the high-frequency dominance he had in 1988, he remained a professional mainstay and a high-stakes veteran leader. There was one final chapter in Los Angeles, as he enjoyed a sentimental return to the Dodgers in 2000. While he mentored younger arms, his effectiveness on the mound had finally waned, leading to his release that summer.
Overall, Hershiser compiled a 135-107 record, a 3.12 ERA, and 1,455 strikeouts.
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