By Wilson Florez
23 Oct 2024, 10:35 AM EDT
The world of baseball, and sports in general, has been moved by the death of Fernando Valenzuela. The legendary Mexican baseball player was remembered by great sports institutions and personalities. The “Bull” will also receive his tribute within the framework of the 2024 World Series.
Fernando Valenzuela’s number 34 It joins other great numbers of historic Dodger players such as those of Pee Wee Reese (1), Tommy Lasorda (2), Duke Snider (4), Gil Hodges (14), Jim Gilliam (19), Don Sutton (20), Walter Alston (24), Sandy Koufax (32), among others.
Rob Manfredcommissioner of Major League Baseball, issued a statement in which he recalled the importance of Fernando Valenzuela in the Major Leagues. He also assured that the memory of the Mexican baseball player will be honored at Dodger Stadium.
“Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation. With his distinctive pitching style, the Dodgers left-hander had a rookie year that made a huge impact in the United States and in his native Mexico, which became known as ‘Fernandomania.’ His 1981 season is among the best in history“says part of the statement.
Statement from Rob Manfred.
Although more details of this tribute were not revealed, it is expected that it will be carried out in the first game of the 2024 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. This first duel will take place this Friday, October 25.
“Following his baseball career, Fernando was a great ambassador for baseball. He constantly supported the growth of baseball through the World Baseball Classic and different events in his country. As a member of the Dodgers’ broadcast team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped impact a new generation of fans by cultivating a love for baseball,” the statement added.
The brilliant career of “Toro” Valenzuela
Since his debut in the MLB on September 15, 1980, Fernando Valenzuela began to weave his great numbers in the best baseball in the world. In a very short time (1981), “El Toro” became the only player to win a Cy Young in the same year he won Rookie of the Year.
In addition, Fernando Valenzuela owns other important brands: He participated in 6 All-Star Games with the National League in which he has the most consecutive strikeouts with 5, he had 6 shutouts in the same season (1981), he won a Gold Glove and three Silver Bats. “El Toro” won 21 games in the 1986 season and He led the National League with the most complete games in 1981, 1986 and 1987.
In 17 seasons in the Major LeaguesFernando Valenzuela obtained 173 victories with 31 shutouts. In 2,930.0 innings pitchedValenzuela struck out 2,074 opponents, commanded a no-hitter, no-run game and He won two memorable World Series.
Keep reading:
– Fernando Valenzuela, idol of the Dodgers and Mexico, dies
– Reactions after the death of Fernando Valenzuela
– “He was like a saint”: fans mourn with devotion the death of Fernando Valenzuela
– The records that Fernando Valenzuela left in the Dodgers