Orel Hershiser's 1988 season was already historic due to his record-breaking 59 consecutive scoreless innings. However, his performance in the postseason that year elevated him to legendary status, as he spearheaded the Los Angeles Dodgers' improbable run to a World Series championship. The Dodgers, often considered underdogs, relied heavily on Hershiser's dominant pitching to overcome formidable opponents and claim the ultimate prize in baseball.
Dominance in the National League Championship Series
The Dodgers entered the 1988 National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets as significant underdogs. The Mets had dominated the regular season series, winning ten out of eleven games and outscoring the Dodgers by a substantial margin. Despite this, Hershiser's exceptional pitching proved to be a game-changer. He contributed 21 and one-third scoreless innings across the NLCS and the subsequent World Series, building on his regular season streak.
Hershiser's impact was particularly evident in the NLCS. He made three starts and one relief appearance in the series. In Game 4, he recorded a crucial save, demonstrating his versatility. His most memorable performance came in the decisive Game 7, where he pitched a complete-game shutout. In this pivotal game, Hershiser allowed only five hits and struck out Howard Johnson to secure the victory for the Dodgers, earning him the NL Championship Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
World Series Glory and MVP Recognition
Following their NLCS triumph, the Dodgers faced another heavily favored opponent in the Oakland Athletics in the 1988 World Series. Once again, Hershiser rose to the occasion, delivering two more dominant performances. He pitched a shutout in Game 2 of the World Series, further extending his postseason scoreless streak. His second victory came in Game 5, which clinched the championship for the Dodgers.
Hershiser's outstanding contributions throughout the World Series earned him the World Series MVP Award, completing a remarkable trifecta of individual honors for the season, alongside his NLCS MVP and Cy Young Award. His ability to perform under immense pressure against top-tier competition was a defining characteristic of the Dodgers' unexpected championship run. His combined postseason scoreless innings, unofficially extending his streak to 67 innings when including his regular season performance, underscored his unparalleled dominance in 1988.
