News Summary
Retired MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser delivered motivational speeches at Bowling Green State University’s graduation ceremonies, sharing personal stories and lessons. He emphasized the journey of perseverance and the importance of building momentum in both sports and personal growth. Hershiser was awarded an honorary degree and expressed commitment to supporting BGSU’s baseball program and the Schmidthorst College of Business.
Bowling Green, Ohio – Retired Major League Baseball pitcher Orel Hershiser delivered motivational commencement speeches during three graduation ceremonies at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) on Saturday. As a testament to his impactful visit, Hershiser was awarded an honorary degree by the university.
Hershiser, known for his prominent career particularly with the Los Angeles Dodgers, resonated with graduates by sharing personal anecdotes from his early college days. He humorously noted that he had not graduated from BGSU until the day of the ceremony, emphasizing the unusual journey that had brought him to this moment.
Reflecting on his turbulent freshman year, Hershiser admitted to struggling academically, attributing his low GPA of 1.2 to distractions, including excessive time spent in pool halls instead of attending classes. After a rocky start, he made the difficult decision to leave BGSU for his hometown of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, requiring financial help for his journey home. This experience ultimately led him back to BGSU where he was given a second chance to pursue his education.
Upon his return, Hershiser attended summer school to improve his academic standing and worked diligently in the subsequent years. His dedication bore fruit as he excelled during his sophomore and junior years, which earned him a place on the All Mid-American Conference team. Following his successful run at BGSU, Hershiser was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he achieved significant milestones, including leading the team to a World Series championship in 1988.
During his speeches, Hershiser focused on the concept of momentum, drawing parallels between athletic success and personal growth. He discussed the significance of establishing a strong foundation through mentorship and hard work, likening one’s development in the professional realm to building momentum through ‘mass’ and ‘velocity’.
Hershiser addressed the current state of the BGSU baseball program, acknowledging the challenges it has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including budget cuts. He noted ongoing discussions with former teammates regarding support for the program and expressed his intentions to contribute to its stability and future success. Plans include the construction of a new turf baseball field as part of the revitalization efforts.
Additionally, Hershiser mentioned his commitment to aiding the Schmidthorst College of Business. He is engaged in discussions with local business leaders and alumni to explore ways to strengthen the college’s programs and offerings.
Encouraging graduates to continue their connection with BGSU following their degrees, Hershiser imparted advice on the value of lifelong learning. He urged them to invest in education, experiences, and wisdom, assuring that success would follow as a result of these pursuits.
The ceremony concluded with Hershiser congratulating the graduates, highlighting the importance of their achievement not just for themselves but for all those who supported them in their academic journey. This day marked a significant milestone for the graduates, reinforcing the values of perseverance and commitment to personal and professional development.
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Additional Resources
- Sentinel-Tribune: Former MLB Star Delivers BGSU Commencement Speech
- Wikipedia: Commencement
- Sandusky Register: Graduation 7 Years in the Making
- Google Search: Bowling Green State University graduation
- BG Falcon Media: BGSU Spring 2025 Commencement
- Google Scholar: Orel Hershiser
- WBKO: New Troopers Join KSP Post 3 Bowling Green
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Educational Ceremony
