Retrieved February 23, 2023 from Encyclopedia.com: https://www.encyclopedia.com/media/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/valenzuela-fernando-1960. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. window.__mirage2 = {petok:"lmbBXESyKfPrRe_tsbrkEncgra1U.48A9OMC2Rk5RgA-86400-0"}; Win Expectancy, Run Expectancy, and Leverage Index calculations provided by Tom Tango of InsideTheBook.com, and co-author of The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball. who was the youngest of 12 children in a family . Valenzuela, who was nicknamed "El Toro" as he took the Dodgers by storm at 20 years old in 1981 on his way to his only Cy Young Award of his career, was present at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. Linda Margarita Burgos Metri (29 December1981 - present)( 4 children). Who Is Fernando Valenzuela's Wife? Arellano: The Gospel of Fernandomania: Fernando Valenzuela remains a Mexican American icon April 7, 2021 The children of Valenzuela's fans, and now even their children, have become. April 7, 2021 Updated 5 AM PT. ", Fernando Valenzuela receives the Outstanding Americans by Choice recognition award during a special naturalization ceremony at Dodger Stadium on Aug. 29, 2022, in Los Angeles. The Dodgers Encyclopedia. Past month; Pretty Torrid . And there was his 8-0 start with five shutouts and a 0.50 ERA during that stretch in 1981 when Fernandomania took hold. El local termin con tres hombres menos por las rojas a Zalazar, Rebolledo y Leiva. Today is the 30th anniversary of Fernando Valenzuela's first start in the majors, the 2-0 Opening Day shutout that launched Fernandomania.But I'm going to take this occasion to focus on a . . He was managed by Tommy Lasorda on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fernando is survived through his wife, Linda; his 3 children, Fernando Jr. "Fernie", Clarissa "Clare" (Jorge) and Ricardo "Ricky"; his 7 grandchildren, Georgie, Celeste, Joseph, Matthew,. //, If you were a baseball fan in the '80s, you knew about "Fernandomania.". It's Boston local news in one concise, fun and informative email. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. 34. . He caught the attention of fans when he pitched for the Dodgers in the opening game of the 1981 season and shut out the Houston Astros. Littwin, Mike. Fernando Valenzuela: The Screwball Artist (Sports Stars (Children's Press Paper)) Paperback - March 1, 1983 by Mike Littwin (Author) See all formats and editions Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. As a player, Valenzuela spoke regularly at Los Angeles-area elementary schools, many of them in heavily Latino areas. At the same time, the Dodgers had failed to produce a World Series win since 1965 and werent actively embraced by the Mexican American community, he explains. Full-year historical Major League statistics provided by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden Game Sports. His wife is Linda Margarita Burgos Metri (29 December1981 - present)( 4 children). Beating out the Yankees by half a step, the Los Angeles Dodgers bought the lefthander's contract . Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. In addition to being a star hurler during his years with the Dodgers, Valenzuela was also recognized for his excellent defense and a dangerous bat. Column: The Gospel of Fernandomania: Forty years later, Fernando Valenzuela still a Mexican American icon. Despite his considerable achievements with the Dodgers, he is nevertheless best remembered for setting the baseball world on its ear during the spring and summer of 1981. Jose Vasquez Valenzuela 1935-1997 Spouse and Children Fernando Valenzuela 1897-1974 Male Matilda Vasquez 1902-1971 Female Marriage 26 June 1920 Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona, United States Children (9) Fernando Juan Valenzuela 1921-1943 Male Paula Valenzuela 1924- Female Eugene Valenzuela 1925-2006 Male Alfredo Valenzuela 1927- Male Fernando Valenzuela, MLB's first Mexican superstar, was a phenom who changed the game when he led the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1981. . McNeil, William F. Dodger Chronicles. More importantly for Mexican Americans, we have not had a Mexican who has been as popular among the rest of the United States ever since, Arellano says. [1] Family Life He was one of 12 children growing up in Sonora, Mexico. . September 15, 1980 All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. Valenzuela would move on to the then-California Angels in 1991, but he did not do well in two starts. Fernando Valenzuela, in full Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea, byname El Toro ("the Bull"), (born November 1, 1960, Etchohuaquila, Mexico), Mexican professional baseball player whose career spanned 17 seasons in the major leagues of the United States. Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. What position did Fernando Valenzuela play? Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. 2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? As a young Mexican American in Southern California at the time, practicing Valenzuelas delivery became a ritual in the community, Arellano says. in Navojoa, Mexico Arellano, who grew up in Southern California, was a toddler during the summer of Fernandomania. Improved homework resources designed to support a variety of curriculum subjects and standards. The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, Did not play in major or minor leagues (Mexico), Salaries may not be complete (especially pre-1985) and may not include some earned bonuses, Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. , money, salary, income, and assets.