Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has died, the staff introduced on Tuesday evening. He was 63.
The baseball icon performed 17 seasons in MLB from 1980-91 and 1993-97. Though he performed for six totally different golf equipment, he spent probably the most time with the Dodgers. In Los Angeles, he grew to become the primary participant to win the Rookie of the 12 months and Cy Younger in the identical season.
Valenzuela was additionally the primary rookie to guide the majors in strikeouts. In 1981, Valenzuela helped lead the Dodgers to a World Sequence title as a 20-year-old rookie. The 1981 season created the phenomenon generally known as “Fernandomania.”
Valenzuela was named the Opening Day starter on April 8, 1981 after beginning pitcher Jerry Reuss sustained an harm. He pitched a whole recreation within the 2-0 victory over the Houston Astros. His started the 1981 season with a 8-0 file and an ERA of 0.50.
Valenzuela’s rise to stardom started in 1980. In September, the left-hander was known as up from the minors by the Dodgers. Pitching in aid, he allowed zero earned runs in 10 video games.
Valenzuela was nicknamed “El Toro” by followers. He was a workhorse starter and emerged as one of many league’s prime pitchers.
He performed for the Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, and the then-California Angels.
Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers franchise in 2003 as a Spanish broadcaster, becoming a member of Jaime Jarrín and Pepe Yñiguez within the sales space.
The Dodgers formally retired Valenzuela’s quantity 34 in a pre-game ceremony on Aug. 11, 2023. He grew to become simply one in all two non-Corridor of Fame Dodgers to have their jersey numbers retired by the franchise.
The celebratory three-day occasion from Aug. 11-13 was dubbed as “Fernandomania weekend” because the staff inducted the previous pitcher to the Dodgers Ring of Honor.
Valenzuela was the catalyst for bringing the Latino group to Chavez Ravine, a feat no different participant might’ve achieved. He single-handedly restored the connection between the Dodgers and town’s Mexican group.
Valenzuela is credited with popularizing the sport of baseball amongst Mexican-American followers. “El Toro” grew to become a hero to many Latino followers and paved the way in which for different Mexican gamers to achieve the majors.
Valenzuela’s success additionally opened the door for different gamers from underrepresented communities. His impression went past the mound, Valenzuela instilled satisfaction amongst Latino immigrants and helped the group embrace a bit of American tradition.
Valenzuela was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Corridor of Fame on Aug. 23, 2003.
Picture Credit score: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities
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