Dave Roberts Compares Dodgers Rookie to Orel Hershiser

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is a historian regarding the game of baseball. Roberts knows the game better than most, so when he compares Dodger legend Orel Hershiser to rookie Gavin Stone, we listen.

Roberts spoke to reporters recently, including Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times, and compared Hershiser to the rookie right-handed pitcher. Roberts called Stone a “bulldog” — Hershiser’s nickname.

“I’m not saying he’s Orel Hershiser,” Roberts cautioned. “But he’s a bulldog … It’s a little Orel Hershiser-esque.”

— Dave Roberts, via the Los Angeles Times

Those are some strong claims made by Roberts, considering Hershiser is an established Dodger legend who won 204 games over an 18-year big league career. Hershiser has a Cy Young Award, three All-Star Game nods, and a World Series MVP award.

Stone, who has only had 19 starts in his career, has none of those things. Nonetheless Roberts sees similarities in their toughness and approach. Hershiser, humbled by the contrast, also sees the similarities when he starts to break it down and praises Stone.

“I understand why Dave is saying he looks a little bit like me … Because of the way his body moves. And the way he tries, so hard, to be good. One of the first things I recognized with him was his athleticism, that really gives me a lot of confidence in a pitcher. Because athleticism then leads to being able to make adjustments.”

— Orel Hershiser, via Los Angeles Times

Hershiser’s career is established in franchise lore and enshrined among the team’s “Legends of Dodgers Baseball.” While Stone has a long way to go to reach those accolades, he seems like he’s on his way, especially through his first 11 starts of 2024. Stone is dealing thus far, recording a 6-2 record, tied for the most wins on the team with Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Stone has the best ERA on the team at 2.90, with 47 strikeouts and a 1.19 WHIP in 62 innings.

Stone is on the right path, and he’s seemed to find his groove after some tough outings early in his career. This year, Stone has fixed the problems that led to his poor outings in 2023, including not tipping his pitches anymore. A lot is going right for the 25-year-old, as he’s establishing himself among the aces in this pitching staff.

Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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