Hershiser Named Speaker for 2013 College World Series

Cherry Hill East's most famous alum will get to take center stage before the action gets underway in the 2013 College World Series.

Orel Hershiser, who starred for the Cougars' baseball team in the '70s, will be the featured speaker at the annual championship's Opening Ceremonies in Omaha, NE, Friday evening.

“Hershiser is a staple in Omaha as an ESPN baseball analyst,” said Damani Leech, NCAA director of championships and alliances in a statement released by the CWS. “He adds such great insight to the Men’s College World Series because of his baseball analyst experience ranging from Little League to Major League Baseball.”

Hershiser set the single-game strikeout record in 1976 at East, when he fanned 15 batters against Deptford—a record that would stand for 21 years. He also ranks in the top 10 at East for career winning percentage, strikeouts, and earned run average.

He went on to play for four Major League teams and set the Major League record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched—59 in 1988, when he pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers—the same year he won the Cy Young, National League Championship Series MVP and World Series MVP awards.

Hershiser also won the American League Championship Series MVP when he played for the Indians in 1995.

Flickr photo by jondoeforty1.