Former legendary Los Angeles pitcher and broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela has died, the group introduced on Tuesday night time. 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 . In Los Angeles, he turned the primary participant to win the Rookie of the Yr and Cy Younger in the identical season.
Valenzuela was additionally the primary rookie to steer the majors in strikeouts. In 1981, Valenzuela helped lead the to a World Collection title as a 20-year-old rookie. The 1981 season created the phenomenon often called “Fernandomania.”
Valenzuela was named the Opening Day starter on April 8, 1981 after beginning pitcher Jerry Reuss sustained an damage. He pitched a whole sport within the 2-0 victory over the Houston Astros. He started the 1981 season with a 8-0 report 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 . 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 high pitchers.
He performed for the , Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, and the then-California Angels.
Valenzuela returned to the franchise in 2003 as a Spanish broadcaster, becoming a member of Jaime Jarrín and Pepe Yñiguez within the sales space.
The formally retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 in a pre-game ceremony on Aug. 11, 2023. He turned simply one in every of two non-Corridor of Fame 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 group inducted the previous pitcher to the Ring of Honor.
Valenzuela was the catalyst for bringing the Latino group to Chavez Ravine, a feat no different participant might’ve completed. He single-handedly restored the connection between the and the town’s Mexican group.
Valenzuela is credited with popularizing the sport of baseball amongst Mexican-American followers. “El Toro” turned a hero to many Latino followers and paved the best way for different Mexican gamers to achieve the majors.
Valenzuela’s success additionally opened the door for different gamers from underrepresented communities. His influence went past the mound, as Valenzuela instilled delight 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.
Nation joins the baseball world in mourning the dying of Valenzuela.
Picture Credit score: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports activities
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