Orel Hershiser's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Orel Hershiser.

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

1976: High School Strikeout Record

In 1976, Orel Hershiser set the single-game strikeout record for his high school, Cherry Hill High School East, by retiring 15 batters in a game against Deptford.

May 4, 1979: No-Hitter Against Kent State

On May 4, 1979, Orel Hershiser pitched a no-hitter against Kent State while playing for Bowling Green State University, winning the game 2-0.

1983: Mulvey Award and Time with Albuquerque

In 1983, Orel Hershiser won the Mulvey Award as the Dodgers' top rookie in spring training but was sent back to Albuquerque. He was 10-8 with a 4.09 ERA for the Dukes.

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.

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.

May 29, 1991: Return to the Dodgers

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

June 9, 1991: 100th Career Win

On June 9, 1991, Orel Hershiser achieved his 100th career win against the Chicago Cubs after returning from shoulder surgery.

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.

1993: Silver Slugger Award

In 1993, Orel Hershiser hit .356 in 83 plate appearances and earned a Silver Slugger Award. He also pitched 33 games and went 12-14 with a 3.59 ERA.

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.