Fernando Valenzuela lesson 67

 Fernando Valenzuela -Born November 1, 1960 (Navojoa, Mexico) -Died October 22,2024 ( Los Angeles, CA

1. Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea was a Mexican professional baseball pitcher.

2. Valenzuela played 17 Major League Baseball seasons, from 1980 to 1991 and 1993 to 1997.

3. While he played for six MLB teams, his longest tenure was with the Los Angees Dodgers.

4. Why was Fernando Valenzuela so important? 

 

Valenzuela became a star pitcher with the Dodgers in l981, igniting Fernandomania and

giving Mexican Americans a hero that is still revered today.

5. Was Fernando in the Hall of Fame?

Valenzuela was one of the most dominant players of his era and a wildly popular figure in the

l980's, although he was never elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

6.Is Valenzuela a legend?

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the "Legends of Dodger Baseball" in 2019 and 

inducted him into the team's Ring of Honor in 2023.

7.What is Valenzuela's illness?

Valenzuela was diagnosed with liver cancer but suffered in silence, not wanting anyone to feel

sorry for him.  He died October 22, 2024 at the age of 63.

8. Did Valenzuela win a World Series?

Valenzuela was the impetus behind "Fernandomania" while winning National League Cy

Young Award and Rookie of the Year Honors in l981.

9. Was Valenzuela a good hitter?

Valenzuela was a better-than-average hitter, with 10 career home runs.  Eventually his pitching

was compromised by a nagging shoulder problem that kept him out of the winning 1988 season.

10. How did Valenzuela change the world?

Valenzuela revolutionized baseball in 1981 with his pitching, creating enduring connections 

between the Dodgers and Mexican fans.

Valenzuela won the World Series twice with the Dodgers and had a remarkable career including

a no-hitter in l990.

11. How old was Valenzuela when he started baseball?

Out of practically nowhere and only 19 years old, Valenzuela made his MLB debut on September

15, 1980.

12. What did they call Valenzuela?

Valenzuela was nicknamed "El Toro" by the fans.  He had an unorthodox and memorable way

of pitching motion that included looking skyward at the apex of each windup.

Vin Scully that Hall of Fame broadcaster once said: "if you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!"

13. Did Valenzuela play in Mexico?

Valenzuela's professional career began with the Cafetaleros de Tepic in Mexico where he signed

a contract for $250.

After having a short stint with the Angeles de Puebla, he arrived at his last team of the Mexican

Baseball League-the Leones de Yucatan.

14-October 30, 2024 Dodgers draw inspiration from memory of Fernando Valenzuela to crush

Yankees.

15-Close to celebrating Day of the Dead, which begins in the first 2 days of November, that Mexican 

tradition is brought to life in the celebration of Dodger win and a tribute to Fernando Valenzuela.

16-Unfortunately, Fernando Valenzuela passed away a few days before the World Series began, 

hosting his famous Dodgers.

17-In the Mexican tradition the main task is to remember loved ones who have physically left the 

earthly world.  That is exactly what the Los Angeles Dodgers did on Wednesday night at

Yankee Stadium.  

18-The Dodgers won their eight World Series title defeating the New York Yankees in five games-the 

angel Fernando Valenzuela was there giving support.

19-For the the Dodgers to beat the Yankees is not a common occurrence with only 4 wins in 12 

opportunities, the legend and left-handed pitcher, Valenzuela was present for the previous

win.

20-After 43 years of that Dodger victory in l98l World Series in Game 3 at Dodgers Stadium against

the Yankees, the famous "Bull of Etchohuaquila" did not have the opportunity to be physically

present to see a new duel between the teams.

21 The Major League Baseball was about to begin its "Fall Classic" when Fernando Valenzuela 

passed away on October 22.

22.Valenzuela wosuld have turned 64 on November 1, on the Day of the Dead and when it would 

have been a Game 6 of the World Series.

23. The Dodgers wanted their beloved "El Toro" to be able to rest in peace that day and be

able to celebrate, from heaven, without the pressure of having to watch another game

at Dodger Stadium.

24. The eigth World Series in the history of the franchise, which was born in Brooklyn, New York

is completely dedicated to the great Fernando Valenzuela.

25. The song "Remember Me" from the movie "Coco" was played as a dedication to the 

unforgettable "Bull of Etchohuaquila" whose number 34 was forever on the jersey of

all the champions.