Orel Hershiser, a legendary name in Los Angeles Dodgers history, sparked new waves of controversy during a recent broadcast after a crushing 18-1 defeat to the Houston Astros at Chavez Ravine.
His remarks subtly referenced the Astros’ notorious 2017 sign-stealing scandal, stirring deep emotions among Dodgers fans.
While no evidence of foul play exists in this latest matchup, Hershiser’s comments show how the shadow of the Astros’ past keeps hanging over baseball’s narrative.
The Dodgers’ Loss Rekindles Painful Memories
For Dodgers supporters, an 18-1 loss to the Astros is tough enough to swallow.
But the game also brought back memories of one of MLB’s darkest chapters: the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal during their 2017 World Series run.
Orel Hershiser, now a mainstay in Dodgers broadcasting, couldn’t help but bring up the elephant in the room.
He commented on the Astros hitters’ uncanny ability to handle rookie Ben Casparius’s toughest pitches.
“I don’t want to open an old wound. But in some ways, they’re swinging at these breaking balls like they know what is coming,” Hershiser said.
This quip wasn’t exactly subtle. It pointed right at the Astros’ infamous system of decoding signs and signaling pitches by banging trash cans—a saga that still frustrates much of the baseball world.
Astros Scandal: A Pain that Won’t Heal
If you missed it, the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal rocked Major League Baseball in 2019. An investigation revealed Houston had used illegal tactics throughout the 2017 season.
Astros players decoded opposing teams’ signals in real time and relayed them to hitters with methods like trash can banging. That gave them a clear offensive edge as they marched to a championship.
Punishment was handed to the organization—fines, loss of draft picks, and suspensions for top officials.
But the players avoided any direct consequences, and Houston kept their 2017 World Series title. For Dodgers fans, that felt like an insult on top of heartbreak.
The Dodgers lost to Houston in a seven-game World Series that many now see as tainted. The wound still stings in Los Angeles.
Why Hershiser’s Comments Hit Home
Hershiser’s remarks gave a voice to feelings that have simmered for years.
MLB introduced PitchCom technology to prevent sign-stealing, but his comment underscored a lingering suspicion among Dodgers fans: that their team’s championship fate was stolen.
When Dodgers fans see a lopsided score like 18-1, it’s a harsh reminder of how much a fair fight matters in baseball history.
Hershiser’s quip also pointed to something bigger than just wins and losses. It showed how baseball’s integrity keeps getting tested by controversies like Houston’s scandal.
Astros’ 2017 Scandal: Lingering Fallout
The Astros haven’t really escaped the shadow of their past. Everywhere they go, opposing crowds bring up the cheating scandal.
There’s no evidence of illegal activity in the recent Dodgers game, but Hershiser’s words sparked whispers and proved the Astros still face heavy scrutiny.
The players have carried that burden through seasons of success, even with their history stained.
No MLB team has directly accused them of repeating their 2017 actions, especially with new safeguards in place. Still, the idea that Houston won unethically in 2017 shapes how many fans and opponents see them.
Dodgers-Astros: A Rivalry Forged in Controversy
The Dodgers-Astros rivalry isn’t just about competition anymore.
It’s soaked in the emotional fallout of 2017. Hershiser’s comments reignite what made the cheating scandal so serious in the first place: trust in the game.
The Astros’ 2017 title still stands, but the court of public opinion isn’t as forgiving. Hershiser’s timely observation just reminds everyone that this messy chapter in MLB history isn’t going away anytime soon.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers-Astros matchups still carry a sharp edge. The memories of 2017 just won’t fade, and Orel Hershiser’s comments seem to keep stirring things up.
New teams and players step up every year, each trying to make their mark. But the lessons from that scandal—about ethics, technology, and fairness—still hang over the game.
The 18-1 defeat could’ve been just another lopsided regular-season score. Yet Hershiser’s blunt words made sure it stood out.
Fans in Los Angeles, still nursing old wounds, probably heard exactly what they were feeling in his remarks.
Here is the source article for this story: Orel Hershiser brings up Astros sign-stealing scandal during 18-1 blowout of Dodgers
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