Orel Leonard Hershiser IV (born September 16, 1958) is a former MLB pitcher who played 18 seasons from 1983 to 2000. Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979, he became a three-time All-Star, won the 1988 NL Cy Young Award, NL Gold Glove, and was World Series MVP.
That year, he pitched 59 scoreless innings, a major league record. He later played for the Cleveland Indians, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets. After retiring, he became a coach, analyst, and professional poker player. Nicknamed “Bulldog” by Tommy Lasorda.
RELATED: What Is the Smartest Zodiac Sign? Astrological Intelligence Explored
Table of Contents
Orel Hershiser Net Worth
Orel Hershiser has a net worth of $14 million. He played 18 MLB seasons from 1983 to 2000. After retiring, he moved to Summerlin, Nevada, and began playing poker competitively in 2006, becoming a regular at Red Rock’s poker room. He signed with Poker Royalty to represent his poker career.
In the 2008 NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship, playing under PokerStars, he reached the quarterfinals, defeating Ted Forrest, Allen Cunningham, and Freddy Deeb. He was eventually defeated by Andy Bloch.
Early life
Orel Hershiser was born in Buffalo, New York, to Orel Leonard III and Mildred Hershiser. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan, when he was six, and to Toronto, Ontario, at age 12.
At eight, he finished third in a national hit, run, and throw competition. He played Little League Baseball until 12, with his father as coach and mother managing the snackbar. While in Canada, he also played ice hockey with the Don Mills Flyers in the Greater Toronto Hockey League.
Career
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Orel Hershiser in the 17th round of the 1979 MLB draft despite a scouting report citing poor control, a weak fastball, and questionable makeup.
Assigned to the Clinton Dodgers, he posted a 4–0 record and 2.09 ERA. He then pitched in AA San Antonio, struggling at times but rebounding with help from coaches. Promoted to AAA Albuquerque Dukes in 1982, he went 9–6 with a 3.71 ERA. A near-trade to the Texas Rangers fell through due to Jim Sundberg’s contract demands.
Personal life
Orel Hershiser is a descendant of a Hessian soldier who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was teased for his name as a child and later learned from Martina Navratilova that “Orel” means “eagle” in Czech. He divorced Jamie Byars in 2005, with whom he has two sons, Orel Leonard V (Quinton) and Jordan.
In 2010, he married Dana Deaver. They reside in Las Vegas with Deaver’s two children. A devout Christian, Hershiser once sang hymns on The Tonight Show and appeared on McGee and Me!.
Where does Orel Hershiser live?
Orel Hershiser and Dana Deaver live in Las Vegas with Deaver’s two children. Hershiser is an active Christian.
Conclusion
Orel Hershiser’s transition from a celebrated pitcher to a prosperous individual encapsulates a story of athletic brilliance, financial acumen, and a successful foray into various post-retirement endeavors.
RELATED: Guillermo Ochoa Net Worth: The Goalkeeper’s Financial Score
FAQs about Orel Hershiser Net Worth
- What contributed to Orel Hershiser’s net worth?
- Hershiser’s net worth is attributed to his earnings from baseball, broadcasting, coaching roles, and his involvement in real estate and poker.
- What was Orel Hershiser’s most memorable baseball achievement?
- His record-breaking 59 consecutive scoreless innings pitched in 1988 stands out as his most notable achievement.
- How did Orel Hershiser transition after retiring from baseball?
- He smoothly transitioned into broadcasting, coaching, and explored interests in real estate and poker.
- Where does Orel Hershiser reside?
- Orel Hershiser lives in Las Vegas with his wife Dana Deaver.
- What was Orel Hershiser’s salary during his peak baseball years?
- At the peak of his baseball career, particularly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hershiser was among the highest-paid players, with significant earnings contributing to his net worth.
