Bowling Green State University Athletics
Orel Hershiser To Return To BGSU As Keynote Speaker For BGSU Baseball's First Pitch Dinner
December 15, 2023 | Baseball
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball legend Orel Hershiser will be the keynote speaker for the BGSU baseball's First Pitch Dinner on January 27. Hershiser recorded an 18-year career in Major League Baseball, playing 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning the 1988 Cy Young Award, a Gold Glove and the 1988 World Series, including being named MVP of the World Series.
"We're thrilled to see Orel Hershiser back on campus, this time speaking directly to our baseball community!" said Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe. "Orel's unwavering dedication to shaping the future success of our baseball program has been nothing short of remarkable. He epitomizes the Falcon spirit and is one of our most impactful and influential alumni."
The First Pitch Dinner will run 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Lenhard Grand Ballroom. Eight-top tables are $750 and table sponsors are $1,000. Single registration is $100. The First Pitch Dinner will allow fans to connect and support the players while previewing the 2024 season. Attendees will be able to share a meal, socialize and listen to speakers. In addition to Hershiser, attendees will hear from Head Coach Kyle Hallock, Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe and BGSU Baseball alumni. Those interested in attending can register for the event here.
"The First Pitch Dinner is a great opportunity to bring our galvanized alumni, the Bowling Green community, supporters/friends of our program and current team together to support Falcon Baseball before kicking off the 2024 season," said head baseball coach Kyle Hallock. "Having Orel Hershiser back on campus to rally everyone together is going to be special. He continues to raise the level of play of everyone around him. This dinner is a can't miss opportunity for anyone who loves the game of baseball. We look forward to bringing Orel and a host of notable BGSU Baseball legends together for an evening of impactful program appreciation as we prepare for the upcoming year."
BGSU Baseball Alumni Advisory Group:
About Orel Hersisher
As a Falcon, Hershiser was named to the first-team All-MAC in 1979 and received the team's outstanding pitcher award for the season. The 1979 campaign included a no-hitter for Hershiser, striking out two and walking two in a seven-inning 2-0 victory over Kent State on May 4, 1979. The no-hitter was the last complete-game no-hitter by a Falcon. Hershiser was drafted at the conclusion of the 1979 season, going in the 17th round to the Dodgers.
Hershiser debuted for the Dodgers on Sept. 1, 1983, starting an 18-year career in Major League Baseball. He played 13 seasons for the Dodgers, winning the 1988 Cy Young Award, a Gold Glove and the 1988 World Series, including being named MVP of the World Series. Hershiser was also named MVP of the NLCS the same season. His impressive 1988 season included leading the National League in wins with 23 and leading the majors in both complete games (15) and shutouts (8).
After playing his first 12 seasons with the Dodgers, Hershiser spent 1995-97 in Cleveland, the 1998 season in San Francisco and the 1999 season with the Mets before concluding his career in 2000 with the Dodgers. He was named MVP of the ALCS in 1995 with Cleveland as well as being a three-time All-Star, coming in consecutive seasons from 1987-89. He also won a Silver Slugger award in 1993.
Hershiser was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1985. This past July Hershiser was inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball, a recognition of Dodger greats and their impact on the franchise, both on and off the field.
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' baseball team on social media
Twitter - @BGAthletics and @BGSU_Baseball
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsu_baseball'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcons Athletics'
"We're thrilled to see Orel Hershiser back on campus, this time speaking directly to our baseball community!" said Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe. "Orel's unwavering dedication to shaping the future success of our baseball program has been nothing short of remarkable. He epitomizes the Falcon spirit and is one of our most impactful and influential alumni."
The First Pitch Dinner will run 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Lenhard Grand Ballroom. Eight-top tables are $750 and table sponsors are $1,000. Single registration is $100. The First Pitch Dinner will allow fans to connect and support the players while previewing the 2024 season. Attendees will be able to share a meal, socialize and listen to speakers. In addition to Hershiser, attendees will hear from Head Coach Kyle Hallock, Director of Athletics Derek van der Merwe and BGSU Baseball alumni. Those interested in attending can register for the event here.
"The First Pitch Dinner is a great opportunity to bring our galvanized alumni, the Bowling Green community, supporters/friends of our program and current team together to support Falcon Baseball before kicking off the 2024 season," said head baseball coach Kyle Hallock. "Having Orel Hershiser back on campus to rally everyone together is going to be special. He continues to raise the level of play of everyone around him. This dinner is a can't miss opportunity for anyone who loves the game of baseball. We look forward to bringing Orel and a host of notable BGSU Baseball legends together for an evening of impactful program appreciation as we prepare for the upcoming year."
BGSU Baseball Alumni Advisory Group:
- Jon Berti, Miami, Florida
- Dana Dowers, Irvine, California
- Jim Fisher, Aurora, Ohio
- Orel Hershiser, Los Angeles, California
- Jason Kelley, Brecksville, Ohio
- David Litzenberg, Waterville, Ohio
- Roger McDowell, Auburn, Alabama
- John Mitchell, Palm Coast, Florida
- Andy Tracy, Lewis Center, Ohio
About Orel Hersisher
As a Falcon, Hershiser was named to the first-team All-MAC in 1979 and received the team's outstanding pitcher award for the season. The 1979 campaign included a no-hitter for Hershiser, striking out two and walking two in a seven-inning 2-0 victory over Kent State on May 4, 1979. The no-hitter was the last complete-game no-hitter by a Falcon. Hershiser was drafted at the conclusion of the 1979 season, going in the 17th round to the Dodgers.
Hershiser debuted for the Dodgers on Sept. 1, 1983, starting an 18-year career in Major League Baseball. He played 13 seasons for the Dodgers, winning the 1988 Cy Young Award, a Gold Glove and the 1988 World Series, including being named MVP of the World Series. Hershiser was also named MVP of the NLCS the same season. His impressive 1988 season included leading the National League in wins with 23 and leading the majors in both complete games (15) and shutouts (8).
After playing his first 12 seasons with the Dodgers, Hershiser spent 1995-97 in Cleveland, the 1998 season in San Francisco and the 1999 season with the Mets before concluding his career in 2000 with the Dodgers. He was named MVP of the ALCS in 1995 with Cleveland as well as being a three-time All-Star, coming in consecutive seasons from 1987-89. He also won a Silver Slugger award in 1993.
Hershiser was inducted into the BGSU Hall of Fame in 1985. This past July Hershiser was inducted into the Legends of Dodger Baseball, a recognition of Dodger greats and their impact on the franchise, both on and off the field.
Follow the Falcons
Be sure to follow the Falcons' baseball team on social media
Twitter - @BGAthletics and @BGSU_Baseball
Instagram - 'bgfalcons' and 'bgsu_baseball'
Facebook - 'BGSU Athletics'
YouTube - 'Falcons Athletics'
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