Career Timeline of Orel Hershiser: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Orel Hershiser built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Orel Hershiser is a former MLB pitcher who played for 18 seasons (1983-2000). Known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he later coached for the Texas Rangers (2002-2005) and became a Dodgers broadcast analyst. He also plays professional poker.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1979: Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers

In 1979, Orel Hershiser was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 17th round of the Major League Baseball draft, despite a scouting report highlighting his weaknesses.

1979: Assigned to Clinton Dodgers

In 1979, after being drafted, Orel Hershiser was assigned to the Clinton Dodgers, the Class A farm team in the Midwest League. He finished with a 4-0 record and a 2.09 ERA.

1982: Promotion to Albuquerque Dukes

In 1982, Orel Hershiser was promoted to the Triple-A Albuquerque Dukes of the Pacific Coast League. He went 9-6 with a 3.71 ERA in 47 games.

September 1, 1983: MLB Debut with the Dodgers

On September 1, 1983, Orel Hershiser was promoted to the major leagues and made his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Montreal Expos. He pitched two innings, allowing one run and recording a strikeout.

1983: MLB Debut

In 1983, Orel Hershiser began his 18-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

1983: Major League Debut with Dodgers

In 1983, after several years in the minor leagues, Orel Hershiser made his major league debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1984: Made Dodgers Opening Day Roster

In 1984, Orel Hershiser made the Dodgers' Opening Day roster as the last man in the bullpen. His first win was on April 5, and he received the nickname "Bulldog" from Tommy Lasorda after a verbal lashing about being too timid.

1985: Led National League in Winning Percentage

In 1985, Orel Hershiser led the National League (NL) in winning percentage with a 19-3 record and a 2.03 ERA. He finished third in Cy Young Award voting and pitched in his first postseason.

1986: 1986 Season

In the 1986 season, Orel Hershiser went 14-14 with a 3.85 ERA for the Dodgers.

1988: Record-Breaking Season and World Series Championship

In 1988, Orel Hershiser had a successful season, setting a major league record by pitching 59 consecutive scoreless innings and helping the Dodgers win the 1988 World Series. He was named the National League (NL) Championship Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the World Series MVP and won the NL Cy Young Award and an NL Gold Glove Award.

1988: Dominated the League and Set Record

In 1988, Orel Hershiser led the league in wins (23), innings (267), shutouts (8), and complete games (15). He also set a record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings pitched. He won the National League Cy Young Award and Gold Glove Award.

1988: Awards and Honors

In 1988, Orel Hershiser received the Cy Young Award, the Championship Series MVP Award, and the World Series MVP Award. He also received The Sporting News Pitcher of the Year, Sports Illustrated magazine's Sportsman of the Year award, and was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year.

1988: Dominance in NLCS and World Series

In 1988, Orel Hershiser started Games 1 and 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets, recorded a save in Game 4, and pitched a complete-game shutout in Game 7, earning the NLCS MVP. He also pitched a shutout in Game 2 of the World Series and allowed only two runs in a complete game in the Game 5 victory, winning the World Series MVP Award.

1989: Hershiser explained his pitch repertoire

In 1989, Hershiser explained his pitch repertoire, highlighting his ability to outthink hitters rather than overpower them with speed.

1989: Signed Richest Three-Year Contract

Prior to the 1989 season, Orel Hershiser signed a new $7.9 million three-year contract with the Dodgers, which was the richest three-year contract ever signed at that point.

May 29, 1991: Return to the Dodgers

On May 29, 1991, Orel Hershiser rejoined the Dodgers after recovering from shoulder surgery.

1992: Pitched 33 Games in 1992

In 1992, Orel Hershiser pitched 33 games and went 10-15 with a 3.67 ERA.

1993: Batted .356

In 1993, Hershiser achieved a .356 batting average (26 for 73), setting the MLB record for the highest batting average by a pitcher in a season during the DH era with a minimum of 50 at-bats.

1994: Final Start and End of Season

In 1994, Orel Hershiser took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning in his final start on August 7. The season ended prematurely on August 11 due to the 1994-95 Major League Baseball strike, leading to Hershiser becoming a free agent.

April 8, 1995: Signed with Cleveland Indians

On April 8, 1995, Orel Hershiser signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Indians. He went 16-6 with a 3.87 ERA, leading the team to their first post-season appearance in 41 years.

1995: ALCS MVP

In 1995, Orel Hershiser won the two games he pitched in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Seattle Mariners and was selected as the ALCS MVP, becoming the first player to win the LCS MVP Award in both leagues. He also pitched in the 1995 World Series, which the Indians lost.

December 7, 1997: Signed with San Francisco Giants

On December 7, 1997, Orel Hershiser signed a one-year $3.45 million contract with the San Francisco Giants.

1998: Played for the Giants

In 1998, Orel Hershiser made 34 starts for the Giants and had an 11-10 record with a 4.41 ERA.

February 20, 1999: Signed Minor League Contract with the Indians

On February 20, 1999, after the Giants declined his option, Orel Hershiser signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.

March 25, 1999: Signed with New York Mets

On March 25, 1999, after being released by the Indians during spring training, Orel Hershiser signed with the New York Mets. He made 32 starts and was 13-12 with a 4.58 ERA.

December 17, 1999: Signed one-year contract with Dodgers

On December 17, 1999, Orel Hershiser signed a one-year contract to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1999: Added a slider to the mix

By 1999, Orel Hershiser, recognizing a decline in the sharpness of his pitches, incorporated a slider into his repertoire and emphasized the importance of precise pitch location.

April 14, 2000: Started home opener against the Reds

On April 14, 2000, Orel Hershiser started the home opener for the Dodgers against the Reds, pitching six innings and allowing only one run.

2000: Worked on broadcasts of the Little League World Series for ABC and ESPN

In 2000, Hershiser began working on broadcasts of the Little League World Series for ABC and ESPN.

2000: Final MLB Season

In 2000, Orel Hershiser played his final season in Major League Baseball (MLB), concluding an 18-year career.

2001: Worked on Wednesday Night Baseball for ESPN

During the 2001 season, Orel Hershiser worked on Wednesday Night Baseball for ESPN, adding to his broadcasting experience.

2001: Joined the Texas Rangers as a special assistant

In the fall of 2001, Hershiser joined the Texas Rangers as a special assistant to General Manager John Hart, marking a transition into team management.

June 22, 2002: Named as the Rangers pitching coach

On June 22, 2002, Orel Hershiser was named the pitching coach for the Texas Rangers.

2002: Texas Rangers Pitching Coach

In 2002, Orel Hershiser became the pitching coach for the Texas Rangers.

October 2005: Mentioned as candidate for Dodgers manager

In October 2005, Hershiser was considered as a candidate to replace Jim Tracy as manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the position ultimately went to Grady Little.

2005: End of Coaching Role

In 2005, Orel Hershiser concluded his tenure as the pitching coach for the Texas Rangers.

February 3, 2006: Quit position as executive director of the Rangers

On February 3, 2006, Orel Hershiser quit his position as executive director of the Texas Rangers, marking a short stint in that role.

February 13, 2006: Rejoined ESPN as an analyst

On February 13, 2006, Hershiser rejoined ESPN as an analyst for Baseball Tonight, Sunday Night Baseball, and the Little League World Series, returning to broadcasting.

2011: Involved in Dodgers bidding process

In 2011, Hershiser, as part of a group including Steve Garvey, participated in the bidding process for the Los Angeles Dodgers but did not advance past the first round.