Hershiser Contributes From Mound and Dugout

Orel Hershiser went 3 1/3 clutch innings in Sunday’s 4-3, 15-inning victory by the New York Mets over the Atlanta Braves. He struck out five, gave up only one hit, and contributed to the Braves stranding nine runners in that span. Hershiser reflected Monday and said that, at 41, those 3 1/3 high-voltage innings probably represented the limit of his energy, emotion and velocity.

“I can’t do that for nine innings or 33 starts anymore,” the former Dodger said.

However, Hershiser’s departure in the seventh inning didn’t end his contribution. He has long expressed an interest in becoming a manager or pitching coach, and TV cameras caught him at Manager Bobby Valentine’s ear several times and on the dugout phone to the bullpen.

“Auditioning for all those general managers who were watching,” Hershiser said with a laugh.

He added that his coaching and/or managing desire is stronger than ever and has risen, in fact, to another level through association with Valentine who is “very open to allowing me to come in and dissect things.”

“What’s the Billy Joel song about wearing your emotions on your sleeve?” Hershiser said. “I wear mine rolled down and he wears his rolled up.”

Hershiser is preparing for the future in another way. He distributed a press packet revealing he has invested $1.3 million in a “Broadway caliber” musical production of Ben Hur opening at the Performing Arts Theater in his new hometown of Orlando, Fla., Nov. 13. “My wife and I have always loved the theater,” Hershiser said. “It’s one of the bonuses of playing in New York.”