In a recent interview, Orel Hershiser, the legendary Dodgers pitcher from the 1980s–1990s and a record 59-inning shutout, did not hesitate to share his thoughts on the media and fans often comparing current players to legendary names like Sandy Koufax, Nolan Ryan, and himself.
“People always want to find out who is the greatest player of all time,” Hershiser said. “But I think that comparison is unfair. Each generation has a different coaching philosophy, a different playing environment, and even a different fan base. You can’t use the yardstick of 40 years ago to evaluate today’s players.”
Hershiser emphasized that the way players are trained, the way nutrition is used, the technology of video analysis, and the pressure of the media have completely changed. “When I was playing, we learned through hands-on experience, through hours of pitching. Today, young players have modern tools, swing analyzers, second-by-second statistics – it changes the way they play, but it’s not necessarily easier,” Hershiser explains.
He’s also upfront about how modern metrics can’t be directly compared to the achievements of the legends of the past. “Look at young pitchers, more strikeouts, faster velo – but the pressure, the expectations, the coaching methods are different. The environment and the culture are different. So comparing stats alone isn’t enough to measure a player’s true value.”
Hershiser doesn’t deny the influence of young players, but he wants to emphasize: the value of a legend is not just in the numbers, but in the philosophy of the game and the lasting impact on teammates, the team, and the fans. “The old and new generations have their own strengths. It’s impossible to say which generation is stronger, it’s just that each generation has a different way of living baseball.”
This straightforward statement immediately attracted the attention of Dodgers fans and the MLB community. Many commented that Hershiser not only opened up an insight into baseball history, but also challenged the habit of comparing current players to past legends.
This conversation also reminded that the legacy of legends lies not only in dry numbers, but also in their spirit, playing style, and how they inspire their teammates and fans. Hershiser is living proof: even though his record is more than 30 years old, his philosophy and perspective still have weight, making both experts and fans stop and think.
In an era where MLB is becoming increasingly statistical, Orel Hershiser’s words of wisdom are a reminder that baseball is more than just numbers, it’s about art, spirit, and legacy passed down through generations. Every pitcher, hitter, and fan has their own story, and it’s those stories that have shaped the Dodgers and MLB over the decades.
Leave a Reply