1988 Orel Hershiser Sport Magazine World Series MVP Trophy

Orel Hershiser’s 1988 World Series MVP Trophy: A Testament to Pitching Excellence

A Season for the Ages

In the annals of Major League Baseball, few seasons stand out as vividly as Orel Hershiser’s 1988 campaign. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace pitcher delivered a performance that was nothing short of legendary, etching his name into the history books with a remarkable 23-8 record. Hershiser led the majors in innings pitched, tallying an impressive 267, and completed 15 games, showcasing his endurance and skill on the mound.

His crowning achievement came as he shattered the record for consecutive scoreless innings, surpassing the previous mark held by fellow Dodger and Hall of Famer, Don Drysdale. This extraordinary feat, combined with his overall dominance, earned Hershiser the prestigious National League Cy Young Award and his first Gold Glove, solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite pitchers.

Postseason Dominance

Hershiser’s prowess was not confined to the regular season. In the 1988 National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, he made four unforgettable appearances. He started Games 1 and 3, secured a save in Game 4, and delivered a complete game shutout in Game 7, propelling the Dodgers to the World Series. His exceptional performance earned him the NLCS MVP award, but his journey was far from over.

In the World Series, Hershiser continued his dominance, pitching a shutout in Game 2 and allowing just two runs in a complete game victory in Game 5, clinching the series for the Dodgers. His unparalleled achievements in the postseason earned him the World Series MVP award, making him the only player in MLB history to win the Cy Young, Championship Series MVP, and World Series MVP in the same season.

The Trophy: A Symbol of Excellence

The 1988 World Series MVP trophy presented to Orel Hershiser is a magnificent piece of baseball memorabilia. Standing 22 inches tall and weighing 32 pounds, this trophy is a testament to Hershiser’s incredible achievements. It features nine flagpoles atop, though two flags are missing, and a silver-plated baseball above a “1988” plaque. The middle tier bears the inscription “SPORT MAGAZINE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD 1988 WORLD SERIES,” while the base proudly displays “OREL LEONARD HERSHISER IV – LOS ANGELES DODGERS.”

• Historical Significance: Commemorates Hershiser’s record-breaking 1988 season.
• Unique Provenance: Awarded to the only player to win Cy Young, NLCS MVP, and World Series MVP in the same year.
• Condition: The trophy is in excellent condition, accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Orel Hershiser.

This extraordinary trophy is not just a piece of sports history; it is a symbol of one of the most remarkable seasons ever witnessed in baseball. For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents an opportunity to own a piece of the legacy of a true baseball legend. Explore more about such iconic sports memorabilia and consider the opportunity to consign baseball jerseys or other valuable items to Grey Flannel Auctions.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.