Major League Baseball

Magic & Co. reportedly want Orel Hershiser back in Dodger blue

Published Nov. 22, 2013 4:02 a.m. ET

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Since acquiring the club from Frank McCourt before the 2012 season, the Dodgers ownership group has been a smash hit with Angelenos. And if the latest rumor pans out, the love affair will only intensify.

The group that saw Magic Johnson take a seat in the owner's box and put players like Adrian Gonzalez, Zack Greinke and Yasiel Puig onto the field is reportedly turning its attention to the announcing booth as it prepares to launch its own network before next season.

And the man they apparently have their eyes on?

Orel Hershiser.

Citing two sources within the club, The Big Lead reported that the Dodgers are targeting Hershiser as the "announcer to be the face of the network in the coming years."

While no one would go on the record for the story, TBL reported that Hershiser's contract with ESPN "is almost up, and he is currently in negotiations with ESPN." Hershiser serves as an analyst for the network on its Sunday night games and in-studio shows.

The Dodgers, purchased from the loathed McCourt just before the start of the 2012 season by a group led by Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter and including Lakers legend Johnson, plan to launch SportsNet LA before the 2014 season. MLB is reportedly close to approving the network.

Hershiser is one of the most beloved Dodgers since the days of Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. His 1988 season has become Dodger legend, winning the NL Cy Young and World Series MVP in what remains the franchise's last championship season.

Broadcasting legend Vin Scully, 86, will return to call games for the Dodgers next season, but perhaps the Dodgers are making plans for his eventual retirement.

And while most Dodgers fans dread the day Scully retires, gotta imagine replacing him with the Bulldog would be a PR win.

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