From Diamond to Dealership: How Orel Hershiser's Broadcasting Gig Opened the Door to New Business Ventures

Legendary Dodgers pitcher, Orel Hershiser, is no stranger to the limelight. But he's quick to acknowledge that his broadcasting gig with the team has played a pivotal role in propelling him into the world of business. "A resume only takes you so far," Hershisher muses, "You have to stay relevant, and I've always wanted to be known as 'He is,' not 'He was.'" Even during baseball season, when his travel schedule is hectic, Hershiser remains hands-on with his businesses.

For this interview, he donned a smart slate-gray polo emblazoned with the Chevrolet logo and chose a Corvette showroom in Chino as our meeting spot. Hershiser's move into the automotive industry has proven to be an exhilarating challenge. He's embraced it with the same tenacity he showed on the baseball field, and he's not shy about promoting his latest venture.

"We're just off the 60 freeway at Central and Riverside," Hershiser invites, "Drop by anytime!" Hershisher's other public-facing business is Legends Attic, a sports memorabilia shop in Claremont that opened its doors in 2024. A part museum, part retail space, it showcases Hershisher's career achievements alongside collectibles from sports legends across the nation.

"We talk every day," says Eddie Allizadeh, Hershisher's business partner. Allizadeh first reached out to Hershisher five years ago for an appearance at his sports collectibles shop in Victorville. But Hershisher was more interested in forging a lasting partnership. "I asked him for lunch in Pasadena, and the rest is history," Allizadeh recalls. Hershisher later invested in Allizadeh's automotive sales representation firm, Lane4, and the duo went on to purchase M.K.

Smith Chevrolet in Chino together. When they announced the acquisition, Hershisher made a surprise appearance at Mayor Eunice Ulloa's state of the city address in April. "Hello Chino! Hello Dodger fans!" he exclaimed as he bounded onto the stage in a Dodger blue blazer, "What you saw from me on the baseball field—I'm going to bring that here!" In true Hershisher fashion, he aims to bring his winning spirit and passion for excellence to his latest business ventures.