Hershiser Considers Mets' Position

NEW YORK (AP) â€” Orel Hershiser is talking about coming back to the New York Mets, this time as a pitching coach. <br><br>``I had a great experience the one year I was here,'' said Hershiser,

Monday, November 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) â€” Orel Hershiser is talking about coming back to the New York Mets, this time as a pitching coach.

``I had a great experience the one year I was here,'' said Hershiser, who pitched for the Mets in 1999.

He rejoined the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, then retired in July, two months before turning 42. He was in town Monday to help promote the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions' effort to serve meals to 275,000 needy people, and he led prayers at the New York City Rescue Mission.

Hershiser already has spoken by telephone with Mets general manager Steve Phillips and manager Bobby Valentine.

``We're going to meet here in the next couple of days,'' Hershiser said.

After going 204-150 with a 3.48 ERA for Los Angeles, Cleveland, San Francisco and the New York Mets, the three-time All-Star interviewed for the Dodgers' managing job. He said he's spoken with several teams about becoming a coach, but wouldn't identify any but the Mets.

``I think I could work well with the Mets,'' Hershiser said. ``I could work well with a lot of players.''

Dave Wallace, the Mets' pitching coach last season, is moving to the team's front office as an adviser to Phillips. Wallace often was at odds with Valentine.

Hershiser would like to be a manager one day. He talked with the Cleveland Indians about their vacancy following the 1999 season but signed with the Dodgers, who waived him after he compiled a 13.14 in six starts and four relief appearances.

``I think I want to be a student of the game and impart what I've already learned,'' he said.

He also realizes the move from pitching to coaching requires a transition.

``As a coach, your visibility has to shrink,'' he said. ``It has to be less about you and more about the players.''