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Remembering LA Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela

Image Source: Los Angeles Dodgers @ YouTube

The former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela has unfortunately passed away at the age of 63.

A significant figure in the history of baseball, Valenzuela was widely admired and adored by fans during his time with the Dodgers. His debut into the MLB was nothing short of spectacular, with the exceptional achievement of winning both the Rookie of the Year and a CY Young award in the same season, a feat that has not been replicated since. Additionally, he played a crucial role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series triumph over the New York Yankees in 1981, during his rookie year.

The phenomenon of “Fernandomania” was ignited by his impactful debut on September 15, 1980. Valenzuela’s exceptional performance as a 19-year-old reliever, where he pitched 17.2 scoreless innings to conclude the 1980 season, laid the foundation for his subsequent achievements. His unexpected start as an emergency pitcher on Opening Day in 1981 resulted in an outstanding complete-game performance of a 2-0 shutout against the Houston Astros.

Last year, Valenzuela reminisced about the pivotal moment when he was entrusted with pitching the first game of his rookie season.

Throughout the initial eight starts of the season, Valenzuela’s remarkable performance was evident with an unbeaten streak of 8-0, featuring extensive game completions, including five shutouts with an extraordinary 0.50 ERA.

One of his outstanding shutout victories took place in a 1-0 win against the Mets, where he struck out 11 batters.

Originating from Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico, the left-handed player captivated the hearts of the Los Angeles crowd with his charismatic presence on the field, marked by his unique pitching style and his renowned screwball pitch, earning him a distinctive place among fans.

The dazzling season concluded on a high note with the Dodgers clinching the 1981 World Series (4-2), where Valenzuela’s exceptional performance in Game 3 contributed significantly to the team’s victory.

His rookie season stats included a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, 11 complete games, and eight shutouts. Valenzuela led the National League by pitching 192.1 innings and also securing the highest number of strikeouts (180) in the league that year.

Jaime Jarrin, renowned as the Dodgers Hall of Fame Spanish broadcaster and Valenzuela’s interpreter, shed light on the profound impact Fernando had on the entire city.

“His innate charm was unparalleled. Despite only being 19 years old when he made his major league debut [in September 1980] after a brief stint in San Antonio at Double-A, he immediately garnered admiration. The people were enamored with him… A 19-year-old with a somewhat chubby physique, long hair, and prominent Yaqui Indian ancestry. These attributes truly endeared him to the public, and they embraced Fernando emphatically within a matter of weeks.”

Image Source: Los Angeles Dodgers @ YouTube

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