It has been twenty-six long years since Orel Hershiser lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a most improbable World Series Championship in 1988. One of pro sports most iconic franchises has not been able to get back to the Fall Classic ever since. There have been several close calls with the club falling short in the NLCS and NLDS on various occasions. However, the 2014 Dodgers appear to be poised to channel their inner- 1988 magic, and finally get back to the Show.

There are many similarities and differences between the 1988 squad and the 2014 Dodgers. Obviously they were playing with different wallets. The Dodgers current ownership has afforded them the luxury of a roster loaded from top to bottom. But both clubs won exactly 94 games. And both teams relied heavily on the arm of a dominant starting pitcher. Kershaw is a lock for the Cy Young award yet again this season, and could possibly capture the NL MVP award as well. Kershaw’s numbers are staggering. The record of 21-3 speaks for itself, but an ERA of 1.77 in today’s game is absurd. If the Dodgers are able to advance to the World Series it will likely be on the left arm of Kershaw.

The 1988 Dodgers were a more of a rag-tag group that rallied around their enigmatic leader, Manager Tommy Lasorda. Pitching was still the forte for this group, but their offense lacked punch. Lasorda was always the master motivator and he certainly played a key role in the 88’ Championship. But this team was ultimately all about the Bulldog! Hershiser went on a remarkable run to close out the 88’ season. He closed out the year by recording an incredible 6 straight complete game shutouts, including a 10-inning masterpiece versus the Padres in his final start before facing the New York Mets in the NLCS. Hershiser shattered Dodger Hall-of-Famer Don Drysdale’s consecutive scoreless innings streak in the process with 59. Kershaw, for his part, took a run at the mark earlier this season with 41.

After a heart-breaking Game 1 setback, the Dodgers were somehow able to come back and pull out a 7-game Series victory over the Mets. Hershiser even came out of the Bullpen to close out Game 4 in a rare relief appearance. He would also throw yet another complete game shutout in Game 7 to close out the dramatic series. Hershiser would be named the MVP of the NLCS, after being awarded the Cy Young award for his outstanding regular season.

Up next, were the heavily favored Oakland Athletics. The A’s boasted the “Bash Brothers” of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire. The duo had more HR’s in 1988 than the Dodgers starting lineup for Game 1 of the Series combined! The Dodgers came into the World Series missing their biggest offensive threat in the gritty Kirk Gibson. It appeared as though the star outfielder would be unable to play. If you do not know how that played out, you would not be reading this article! Gibson only saw one at-bat during the World Series! After Gibson snatched victory from the hands of defeat in Game 1, the A’s were  unable to recover. The Dodgers would capture the World Series in Game 5 on another complete game gem, from, who else, Hershiser. Hershiser would snag the World Series MVP as well to complete the trifecta. Canseco even quipped that he may have to get some batting lessons from Hershiser, who also made significant contributions at the plate in the Series.

The Dodgers might have the biggest payroll in the history of the game, but it will still be no easy task to reach the World Series. It never is! The St.Louis Cardinals will provide a stiff challenge for the boys in blue in the NLDS. The roster certainly has the talent required to win championships but all bets are off once we reach the post-season. The Dodgers staff matches up well with any team, but their offense has been very Jekyll and Hyde for much of 2014. The lineup has the ability to catch fire or go ice cold. There is no room for error in a five-game series so the pressure on Kershaw in Game 1 becomes magnified. Kershaw will be looking for revenge after the Cardinals thumped the Dodgers in Game 6 to close out last year’s NLCS! Chances are Don Mattingly will opt to go with Kershaw on short rest in a potential Game 4 versus the Cardinals. Tommy Lasorda rode “The Bulldog” all the way to the promised land. Mattingly would be wise to do the same with “The Claw”. It’s been over a quarter of a century. Vin Scully should never have to wait that long. From H-ersh to K-ersh. This just might be their year. The stars are aligned. Literally!