On this day in History, 1981.
Fernandomania struck early: In 1981 he became the first and only man to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same year. But Valenzuela pitched 17 big league seasons (1980-97). That included the year we moved to LA and saw him pitch at Chavez Ravine (1985). It also included the year the Dodgers beat the hated Yankees to win the World Series (1988). He threw a no-hitter in 1990 as he was entering the twilight of a brilliant career. Besides his longevity, upbeat personality, and confounding screwball, the thing that set him apart was his plate prowess. Wikipedia tells us:
“Valenzuela was considered an atypically good hitter for a pitcher. His best year at the plate was 1990, his last year with the Dodgers, when he hit .304 with five doubles, one home run, and 11 RBI in 69 at-bats. That gave him a 101 OPS+, meaning Valenzuela ranked just above average among all National League hitters that year, including non-pitchers. In 936 career at-bats — roughly two full seasons worth of at-bats for a full-time position player — his career batting average was .200, with 10 home runs, 26 doubles, and 84 RBI. Valenzuela was even used on occasion as a pinch-hitter, batting .368 (7-for-19). Twice while with the Dodgers, Valenzuela was called upon to play outfield and first base in games in which he did not pitch. He won the Silver Slugger award for pitchers in 1981 and 1983.”
But tonight when the Dodgers play, we will be rooting against them. They’ll be playing our new home town team, the Colorado Rockies. It’s the first of an important series that may well determine who wins the NL West this season.
Go Rockies!
<But, Fernando, we still love you.>