Is Orel Hershiser In The Baseball Hall Of Fame?

Many people don’t know that Orel Hershiser is not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. In this blog post, we’ll explore why that is and whether or not he deserves to be in the Hall.

Who is Orel Hershiser?

Orel Hershiser is a former MLB pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets. He is currently the color commentator for the Dodgers. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Hershiser’s early life and career

Orel Leonard Hershiser IV was born on September 16, 1958, in Buffalo, New York. His parents, Jesse and Barbara Hershiser, divorced when he was two years old. When Orel was six years old, his mother married absorption engineer Frank Viola. Hershiser grew up in suburban Detroit with Viola’s three children from a previous marriage: Mark, Toni, and Kelly.

In 1976, Hershiser graduated from Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan. He then attended Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he played college baseball for the Falcons baseball team. As a freshman at Bowling Green, Hershiser was named the Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year. In 1977 and 1978, he was named the MAC Pitcher of the Year.

Hershiser’s time with the Dodgers

Orel Hershiser pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1983 to 1994. In his time with the team, he became one of the best pitchers in baseball and helped the team win the World Series in 1988. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 1983, won the Cy Young Award in 1988, and was a two-time All-Star. After leaving the Dodgers, he pitched for several other teams before retiring in 2000.

Hershiser’s post-Dodgers career

In 1998, Hershiser signed with the Cleveland Indians. He helped the team win the AL Central division title that year, going 11–9 with a 4.41 ERA. In the ALCS, he started Game 4 and allowed one run in four innings pitched, but took the loss as the Indians were swept by the New York Yankees. He became a free agent again after the season and signed with the San Francisco Giants.

Hershiser had a solid 1999 season with the Giants, going 12–11 with a 4.41 ERA in 33 starts. He became a free agent once again after the season and considered retirement, but ultimately decided to sign with the New York Mets. In 2000, Hershiser served as both a starter and reliever for the Mets; he made 28 appearances (including 15 starts) and went 8–6 with a 5.67 ERA. The following season, he was again used primarily out of the bullpen; in 62 relief appearances, he compiled an 8–3 record with two saves and a 3.87 ERA.

Hershiser’s career came to an end after the 2001 season. In 18 seasons (1983–2000), he compiled 204 wins, 1,802 strikeouts, and a 3.48 ERA in 3,130​1⁄3 innings pitched.

Hershiser’s Hall of Fame candidacy

Orel Hershiser’s case for the Baseball Hall of Fame is a complicated one. He was one of the best pitchers of his generation, but he doesn’t have the eye-popping numbers that some of the other candidates do. Hershiser was also a key player on some very successful teams, but he didn’t win any individual awards. So, where does Hershiser’s candidacy stand?

Hershiser’s Hall of Fame numbers

Orel Hershiser’s numbers certainly look Hall of Fame-worthy. He’s got over 200 wins, over 3000 strikeouts, and a career ERA+ of 115. He also has a number of other impressive accomplishments, including winning the Cy Young Award and being named World Series MVP.

So why isn’t he in the Hall of Fame? There are a few reasons. First, Hershiser’s career ERA+ is lower than some other recent pitchers who have been inducted, like Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz. Second, he only played for two teams during his career, which may have limited his visibility to voters.

And finally, Hershiser came up just short in some key statistical categories that often help pitchers get into the Hall of Fame. He never won 300 games, and he didn’t reach 4000 strikeouts. He also never won multiple Cy Young Awards.

So while Hershiser’s numbers are impressive, they may not be enough to get him into the Hall of Fame. However, he remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball history, and his candidacy is definitely worth watching in the years to come.

Hershiser’s Hall of Fame case

Orel Hershiser’s Hall of Fame case is built on his accomplishments as a starting pitcher, most notably his record-setting scoreless innings streak in 1988.

Hershiser was a two-time All-Star and won the National League Cy Young Award in 1988, when he also set a major league record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings. He helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series that year.

In Hershiser’s 18-year career, he pitched for five teams – the Dodgers, Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets and Texas Rangers. He had a 204-150 record with a 3.48 ERA and 2,014 strikeouts.

While Hershiser was a very good pitcher, his case for the Hall of Fame is not overwhelming. He falls short of some of the standards used for inducting pitchers, such as 200 wins and 3,000 strikeouts. And he doesn’t have any truly iconic moments that would make him a no-brainer selection.

That said, Hershiser was one of the best pitchers of his generation and was arguably the best pitcher in baseball in 1988. He should at least receive serious consideration for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2024.

The verdict on Hershiser’s Hall of Fame candidacy

Orel Hershiser’s career spanned 18 seasons, from 1983 to 2000. He was a three-time All-Star, won the Cy Young Award in 1988, and was a member of the World Series-winning Los Angeles Dodgers team in 1988.

Hershiser’s Hall of Fame case is built on his strong peak from 1987 to 1991, when he was one of the best pitchers in baseball. He racked up 40.6 WAR during those five seasons, which is more than any other pitcher over a five-year span since 1950. He also led the majors in wins (140), ERA+ (142), and shutouts (27) during that time.

However, Hershiser’s case is hurt by his lack of longevity; he only amassed 153 total wins and 2,014 strikeouts during his 18-year career. He also doesn’t have any truly dominant seasons on his resume; his best single-season WAR total was 6.4 in 1988, which is good but not great.

Overall, Hershiser’s Hall of Fame case is strong but not overwhelming. He has a strong peak, but he doesn’t have the longevity or dominance that some other candidates possess. It will be up to the voters to decide if Hershiser’s career merits enshrinement in Cooperstown.