Fernando Valenzuela: The Mexican southpaw who took MLB by storm

Early life and career

Fernando Valenzuela was born in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico, on November 1, 1960. He began playing baseball at a young age, and by the time he was 17, he had signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Valenzuela made his Major League debut in 1980, and quickly became one of the most popular players in the league. He was a left-handed pitcher with a unique delivery, and he quickly earned the nickname "El Toro" (The Bull).

1981 World Series

Valenzuela's most famous season came in 1981, when he helped the Dodgers win the World Series. He pitched a complete game shutout in the decisive Game 6, and was named the World Series Most Valuable Player.

Valenzuela continued to be a successful pitcher throughout the 1980s, and he was named to six All-Star teams. He retired from baseball in 1997, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

Legacy

Fernando Valenzuela is one of the most iconic players in Dodgers history. He was a key member of the team's World Series championship in 1981, and he helped to make baseball more popular in Mexico and throughout Latin America.

Valenzuela's legacy extends beyond baseball. He is a role model for Mexican-Americans, and he has helped to pave the way for other Latino players to succeed in Major League Baseball.

Awards and honors

• World Series champion (1981)
• World Series Most Valuable Player (1981)
• Six-time All-Star
• Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (2003)

Fun facts

• Valenzuela is the only player to have pitched a complete game shutout in a World Series game as a rookie.
• Valenzuela's unique delivery, which he called the "screwball," was a key part of his success.
• Valenzuela is a devout Christian, and he often credits his success to his faith.