October 13th, 2016 at 12:00 pm 
by Ron Cervenka It’s a phrase that most of us have heard many times throughout our lives – “All hands on deck.” And though its exact origin is unknown, it is obviously a nautical term which, over time, made its way into the common everyday English language – especially into the business world and, of course, into baseball.
Its meaning is obvious: at a time of adversity or extreme challenge, everyone within the organization – in this instance the Dodgers as they head into the fifth and deciding game of the 2016 National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals – is available … without exception.
Taking the “All hands on deck” thing even further, this includes (brace yourselves) left-hander Clayton Kershaw who, on Tuesday and on three days rest, made 110 pitches to help assure the Dodgers that there would even be a Game-5.
“No way,” you say.
“Way,” I say.
For those old enough to remember (if even born yet), prior to Game-4 of the 1988 World Series, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda had proclaimed “All hands on deck” except Orel Hershiser, who had thrown a complete game shutout in Game-2. Yet in spite of this and (apparently) unnoticed by Lasorda, Hershiser ran down to the Dodgers bullpen late in Game-4, where he began warming up and eventually phoned Lasorda and said that he was ready to pitch in relief should the game go into extra innings. Fortunately it did not, with the Dodgers winning by a score of 4-3.
As we all know, Hershiser went on to pitch another complete game in Game-5 on 117 pitches for the 5-2 World Series-clinching win, with Hershiser being the unanimous choice for series MVP (to go along with his 1988 NL Cy Young award).
Orel Hershiser’s unforgettable moment after pitching a complete to capture the Dodgers sixth World Series title. (AP photo)
Although many believe that Hershiser’s decision to run down to the bullpen and begin warming up was merely a psychological ploy to get into Oakland A’s manager Tony La Russa’s head, there is zero doubt in my mind – none whatsoever – that “The Bulldog” would have absolutely insisted on coming into that game if there was even a remote chance that it might have been the difference between winning or losing that game. That’s just how Orel Hershiser was (and still is) wired.
Sound familiar?
The point here is, don’t be surprised to see Clayton Kershaw run down to the Dodgers bullpen tonight at Nationals Park should it come down to a situation where he could be the difference between the Dodgers advancing to the National League Championship Series or going home for the winter – especially after Nationals manager Dusty Baker told the media after Game-4: “I know Kershaw ain’t pitching … thank God.”
If ever there were a wrong thing to say to the media, this was it.
After all, it’s “All Hands on Deck.”
…even Kershaw’s.
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When I think of the ’88 post season, I remember Hershiser during game 4 of the NLCS running out to the bullpen to warm up in extra innings, and later informing Lasorda that he was ready. Tommy had no knowledge that he was out there, and Hershiser picked up the save in that game. Probably one of the most exciting Dodger playoff games in history.
I have no recollection of him going out to the bullpen in game 4 of the WS, but I’m sure it happened. If I remember correctly, that was the 3 inning save that Jay Howell had to put the Dodgers up 3 games to 1.
BWTHDIKA?
Good call Ron. No good to worry about tomorrow if you don’t win today. Kudos to Dave Roberts for playing his cards right and having the intestinal fortitude to make hard decisions.
Folks are already saying Roberts burned Kenley and Clayton so there is no tomorrow. Dusty Baker being one who wonders what they can now do in Chicago now. Well Dusty, who knows, but your team won’t be there. Gotta be aware of rookie managers Dusty.
Nats took too much for granted. Werth out by more than a country mile. Good job by Toles and Seager. Toles hit cut off perfectly and Corey took his time to the plate once he saw the situation. Harper got picked off. Well now!!
Wow, Ron! Put away your crystal ball and frame this entry! Even when I saw Kershaw warming up, I initially thought that this was a ploy to get in Dusty Baker’s head. Then thinking about matchups I felt that Kershaw would have been better against Harper than Jansen who was obviously gassed. Then Kershaw against Dodger-and-everybody-killer Murphy! Wow! What a great game. You have to think that Jansen will not be available on Saturday. I don’t think I have every seen him gassed before but he was, leaving it all out on the mound. In the end, I think all will be okay just as long as we have NO MORE HAROLD REYNOLDS! GOOD GOD, DOES THE MAN EVER ABSORB A MOMENT IN SILENCE. Life is going to be tough after Vin!
I Toles you so! I Toles you so!!
Everyone was thinking that Kershaw might pitch yesterday, but nobody, I mean absolutely nobody thought Clayton Kershaw would be coming in to relieve Kenley Jansen last night. At least not when the night began. Sure, as the game unfolded we knew he might come in to get Kenley’s back, but to earn a save? That’s just the stuff of fairy tales.
What happened last night was about as magical a Dodger Postseason moment as any in their history. They left it all on the field… and even left any semblance of a pitching rotation for the NLCS on the field as well.
Can the Dodgers roll the dice and put some fresh arms on the Championship roster to get Kershaw ready for game three? Or do they, dare I even say this… start Kershaw on two or three days rest in Chicago?
Which pitchers are included on the NLCS roster? Jose De Leon comes to mind. Alex Wood. Does the team take a chance on Brandon McCarthy or even Brett Anderson?
Do the Dodgers build a bridge to Kershaw for game 3, or do they call on their ace yet again on short rest?
Plenty of questions which we’ll find out answers for soon enough.
When I read this article yesterday, I thought of Bumgarner’s save in the ’14 WS but I couldn’t think of anything intelligent to write.
Man, you sure were right, again.