DODGERS NOTEBOOK: `BULLDOG' MELLOWS.

Byline: Matt McHale Daily News Staff Writer

Orel Hershiser says this is the greatest summer of his baseball life.

Like fastballs, priorities change with age. For Hershiser, it seems it would be difficult to surpass 1988, when he threw 59 consecutive scoreless innings and pitched the Dodgers to a World Series championship.

But for the past month, Hershiser, now a member of the San Francisco Giants, has been bringing his oldest son Quinton, 13, on the road. Quinton has been a bat boy, a clubhouse kid and an all-around buddy during his father's 16th big-league season.

``We were going to send him to camp, but in the end he didn't want to go,'' Hershiser said. ``I said the only way out is to come with me on the road. The Giants told me he had to work if he was going to come. I can't tell you what it means to have him a long. It's incredible.''

One of the most endearing moments of the Giants season happened last month, when reserve infielder Shawon Dunston was greeted by his son, Shawon, Jr. after hitting a home run. New Giant Joe Carter also has his son, Jordan, on this trip.

``That is the kind of environment (Giants) manager Dusty (Baker) has created around here,'' Hershiser said. ``I think it is one of the reasons the team has done well this year. It has brought us closer together.''

Hershiser, 40, said he does not expect tonight's start against the Dodgers to have the emotion of his July 15 appearance, his first game in Dodger Stadium since leaving the club after the 1994 season. He pitched six innings and was the winner in a 5-3 Giants victory.

``It's easier now,'' said Hershiser, who ran back to the clubhouse to compose himself before taking the mound in his first start here. ``I don't think the novelty will ever wear off, but it's not so difficult, now. That first game was something.''

Hershiser was named National League Pitcher of the Month for July, when he finished 4-0. But he is only 9-9 this season. He is fourth among active pitchers with 188 victories and wants to reach 200.

He also wants more trip to the postseason.

``I'm not the pitcher I was, but that is one of the concessions of age,'' he said. ``The goodness or the greatness doesn't show up as much, but it is still there. We're in a playoff hunt, and I'll be ready.''

Quick hits: After two long visits to the disabled list with shoulder trouble this season, reliever Darren Hall will under surgery next week to repair his right rotator cuff. Hall, who has a history of shoulder and elbow problems, pitched just 11-1/3 innings this season.

``He tried to strengthen it with rehab, but the tear was just too severe,'' said Dr. Frank Jobe, who will perform the surgery.

SAN FRANCISCO VS. DODGERS

Time: 1:05 p.m. at Dodger Stadium

TV/Radio: Ch. 11; 1150-AM, KWKW-AM (1330 Spanish)

Matchup: In the second of three games against the Giants, Chan Ho Park (11-8, 3.91) faces former Dodgers right-hander Orel Hershiser (9-9, 4.13). Park suffered his third loss in his last four decisions Monday against the New York Mets. He gave up four runs and 10 hits in seven innings. Hershiser went seven innings against the Phillies on Monday, the longest outing in his last six starts. He did not figure in the decision, but struck out eight, the most in one game in three years.

- Matt McHale

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Photo, Box

Photo: HALL

Box: SAN FRANCISCO VS. DODGERS (See Text)