Los Angeles Dodgers legend Orel Hershiser added another milestone to his legendary career after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Sports Entertainment. His contributions both as a baseball icon and a longtime figure in sports broadcasting were celebrated on Thursday, extending a legacy beyond his time on the mound.
Hershiser built his legacy during his 18-year MLB career, especially his stint with the Dodgers. He was nicknamed “The Bulldog” by manager Tommy Lasorda for his fierce competitiveness. Orel Hershiser became one of the franchise’s most iconic pitchers after leading the team to win the World Series in 1988.
He also earned the NL Cy Young Award, NLCS MVP and World Series MVP. His campaign in 1988 cemented Hershiser’s place among baseball greats as he demonstrated one of the greatest pitching seasons in Dodgers history. He set an ERA of 2.26 after posting a 23-8 record and then an MLB record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings.
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After he retired from the field, Hershiser continued to remain a prominent figure after stepping into broadcasting. He became a familiar voice for Dodgers fans alongside Joe Davis. The Hollywood Walk of Fame honor further celebrated his status not only as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers but also as a respected and loved ambassador for the sport.
Orel Hershiser credits Dodgers fans after Hollywood Walk of Fame honor
On Thursday, during his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, Orel Hershiser thanked Los Angeles Dodgers fans who unconditionally supported him throughout his journey as a player and a broadcaster. He credited the fans’ passion for baseball and the franchise as the major reason behind the honor.
“I gotta hold it together. I wrote this myself and I promise it’s not this many pages. …Alan Spelinski, one of the Dodger owners here. A loyal, loyal friend and thank you so much for being here. There are gonna be others that I mentioned, but first and foremost I want to thank the fans,” Orel Hershiser said.
“If you didn’t love me on the field and you didn’t love me in the broadcast booth, I wouldn’t be here. So without you guys and your love for Dodger baseball, your love for baseball, your love for this team currently and the teams of the past, thank you so very, very much for being my LA friends and community and loved ones.”
Clayton Kershaw highly praised Hershiser as someone who never knew negativity. He talked about how the Dodger legend would always encourage everyone “even when it wasn’t going good.”
Manager Dave Roberts also talked about Hershiser’s leadership qualities, noting that he was not only a great teammate but also someone who made others better. “He went from becoming an underdog to becoming the Bulldog,” Roberts said.
Edited by Safeer M S
