Orel Hershiser

Orel Leonard Hershiser IV is an American former baseball pitcher who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1983 to 2000. He later became a broadcast color analyst and a professional poker player. Throughout his career, Hershiser achieved significant recognition, including being a World Series Champion, a World Series MVP, an American and National League Champion, and a three-time National League All-Star.

Hershiser, also known as “Bulldog” – a nickname given to him by Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda – has made a considerable impact both on and off the field. Not only is Hershiser known for his accomplishments in baseball but also for his adaptability and expertise in broadcasting. He has served as a color analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Baseball and Baseball Tonight, a show that has won a Sports Emmy Award. Additionally, he provided valuable insights during ESPN and ABC's coverage of the Little League World Series. Hershiser is also a best-selling author with titles such as "Out of the Blue" (1989) and "Between the Lines" (2002).

Most notably, Hershiser's legendary performance in the 1988 season remains a highlight of his career. He led the Dodgers to a World Series victory, breaking records along the way and earning multiple awards including the Cy Young Award, World Series MVP, and Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. In 1991, after missing the entire 1990 season due to shoulder surgery, he made a significant comeback, earning the UPI Comeback Player of the Year award. Hershiser also had successful stints with the Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets before returning to the Dodgers in 2000.

After retiring from professional baseball, Hershiser continued to influence the sport by joining the Texas Rangers as a pitching coach and then returning to broadcasting with ESPN. He also ventured into professional poker, making a notable appearance in the quarterfinals of the 2008 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship. Since 2017, Hershiser has been a part of the primary broadcast team for Dodger baseball alongside Joe Davis. His diverse career and enduring presence in the baseball community highlight his multifaceted talents and enduring appeal.