NSBB HOF Ballot- Orel Hershiser

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

OREL HERSHISHER: 1st year on the ballot…Pitched 18 seasons, 12 with the Los Angeles Dodgers…Won 1988 NL Cy Young Award…Also received Cy Young Award votes in 1985 (3rd), ’87 (4th), ’89 (4th)…Finished sixth in 1988 MVP voting…Named Major League Baseball Player of the Year in 1988…Named 1988 Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News …Named NLCS and WS MVP in 1988…Named ALCS MVP in 1995…Named to three All-Star teams (1987-’89)…In 1988, led NL in wins (23), innings (267), complete games (15), shutouts (8), and sacrifice hits (19)…Also led NL in innings three times (1987-’89), shutouts (4, 1984), winning percentage (.864, 19-3, 1985) and losses twice (15, 1989 and 1992)…Won Gold Glove Award in 1988…Won Silver Slugger Award in 1993…Finished among top 5 in ERA five times (1984-’85, ’87-’89)…Established major league record with 59 consecutive scoreless innings to end the 1988 season…Threw 2 career one-hitters and fanned 10 or more batters 6 times…In 12 career postseason series, was 8-3, 2.59 in 22 games/18 starts…In 1988 Series was 2-0, 1.00 (2 er/18 ip) in 2 starts…In 6 career World Series starts, 3-3, 4.07…Member of 1988 World Championship team.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

This one was tougher than most, but as much as win/loss records are overrated, I think Orel would be a lock with 20-25 more W's. 204 may not be enough to get in.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Hershiser will get his fair share of votes because of his work in the post season. He's not a HOF, but if there were a Hall of Very Good, he belongs.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Gillette's take on Hershiser:

 

Orel Hershiser, Starting Pitcher

Nicknamed "Bulldog" by Dodgers manager Tom Lasorda, Hershiser's 204 career wins and 18.9 Player Overall Wins would normally make him a very marginal candidate. However, his remarkable 59 consecutive scoreless innings, his subsequent 1988 World Series MVP award, and his determination to make a comeback after a career-threatening arm injury will earn the durable right-hander many votes for Cooperstown -- but not entry into the shrine