Although the 10k pot limit hold-em event was saturated with high-limit pros, 1988 Cy Young Award winner Orel Hershiser joined the fray in his first WSOP event.

Not exactly the easiest draw for one’s first crack at WSOP fame, but neverless Hershiser doesn’t feel like “dead money”, a term he described himself as last summer.

After moving to Las Vegas in August, Hershiser has taken up poker serioulsy and is springboarding off an elite eight  run in the NBC Heads-Up Championship in March, another field stacked with poker’s biggest names.

Its clear to see that the “Bulldog”, Hershisers’ nickname as a pitcher known for his moxy on the mound, isn’t afraid of a challenge.

His table draw tested that quality as he was sandwiched between Gavin Smith and Phil Ivey, two of top tournament players in the field.

Despite his recent success, Hershiser did admit one inherent disadvantage he has coming into this event.

“I’ve never played pot limit hold-em in my life,” he said. “I’ve played some pot-limit omaha but not any hold-em.”

Thanks to a sponsorship from PokerStars, Hershiser also plans to play the main event as well and any other event he can work around his broadcasting obligations with ESPN.

• July 16, 2008 -- So Long, Farewell
• June 2, 2008 -- Nenad Medic Wins WSOP Event#1
• June 2, 2008 -- More Players Disappearing as Day 1B Wraps up
• June 1, 2008 -- Sowers Eliminated in 8th Place