In a jaw-dropping revelation that has Dodgers fans buzzing, franchise legend Orel Hershiser just admitted something that could change the way you think about manager Dave Roberts forever. Appearing on the Dodgers Territory podcast Thursday, the former Cy Young winner didn’t just praise Roberts — he flat-out declared he would have done anything for the guy.
“I’ve always told him, I would’ve loved to play for him. I would’ve run through a wall for him,” Hershiser said, according to sources close to the podcast. The admission comes as Roberts continues to steer the Dodgers through a roller-coaster 2026 campaign, with whispers of tension and high expectations swirling around the clubhouse.
A Legend Fires Back at the Critics
Hershiser, who played for the legendary Tommy Lasorda and captured the 1988 World Series title in Dodger blue, didn’t stop there. He reportedly ripped into the public perception that Roberts wasn’t ready to manage LA years ago, calling out the narrative that dogged the skipper early in his tenure.
“That got substantiated a little bit because they didn’t go far in the playoffs,” Hershiser said, referencing the early postseason exits that fueled the fire. But he insists the criticism actually forged something stronger in Roberts. “Some of the maturity and some of the growth as a manager is reacting to negative things in the press. You have to talk to them three to four times a day and then the fan reactions on talk radio and how you’re going to turn that around. Plus figure out how you won’t let that infiltrate your roster.”
Insiders say the former pitcher’s endorsement is no small thing. Hershiser, a three-time All-Star and World Series MVP, reportedly sees this as a defining chapter in Roberts’ career — one that “showed great character” under relentless pressure.
What This Could Mean for the Dodgers’ Future
With three World Series rings since 2020, Roberts has already built a dynasty. But according to sources, Hershiser isn’t ready to hand out A’s just yet. The Dodgers legend reportedly told confidants that while he loves the direction of the franchise, the 2026 season remains a work in progress. Speculation is mounting about whether this vote of confidence from a beloved icon will quiet the doubters — or if the pressure will only intensify as the postseason looms.
One unnamed source close to the Dodgers organization told us: “When a guy like Orel speaks, the whole city listens. If he says Roberts has earned that loyalty, it sends a serious message to the front office and the fan base. But the bottom line is, this team still has to prove it on the field.”
For now, Roberts has at least one Hall of Fame arm in his corner — and a story that apparently goes much deeper than wins and losses.
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