Analysis. History. Perspective.

Sports Then and Now



Fernando Valenzuela: A Legendary Career that Transcended Baseball 1

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Dean Hybl
Fernando Valenzuela was the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year winner during the 1981 season as he kicked off “Fernandomania”.

The world of baseball mourns the loss of Fernando Valenzuela, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, who passed away on October 22, 2024 at the age of 63. Valenzuela’s impact on baseball extended far beyond the pitcher’s mound, as he became a symbol of hope, pride, and cultural unity for millions. His unique pitching style, calm demeanor, and ability to deliver in big moments made him a fan favorite and a beloved figure in the Los Angeles community. Valenzuela’s career is one that epitomized greatness and resilience, as he rose from humble beginnings in Mexico to become one of Major League Baseball’s most unforgettable stars.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Fernando Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, a small village in the Mexican state of Sonora. Growing up in a family of farmers, Valenzuela’s love for baseball was evident from a young age. He played for local teams and developed a remarkable ability to throw a screwball, a pitch that would later become his signature weapon.

In 1979, at the age of 18, Valenzuela signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly made a name for himself in the minors. His dominance in the Mexican League and his performances with the Dodgers’ minor league affiliates caught the attention of team executives, and he was called up to the Major Leagues in late 1980.

Valenzuela’s arrival in Major League Baseball came at a critical time for the Dodgers, who were in need of a spark to propel them toward postseason success. Although he made only a handful of appearances late in the 1980 season, he was on the brink of something special.

The Birth of “Fernandomania”

Valenzuela’s official rookie season in 1981 would go down in baseball history as one of the most captivating and unprecedented stretches of performance by any player. In what came to be known as “Fernandomania,” Valenzuela captured the hearts of fans across the nation with his dazzling performances on the mound, his charismatic personality, and his unique pitching delivery, which involved looking toward the sky just before releasing the ball.

The 1981 season began with Valenzuela thrust into the starting rotation after an injury to Dodgers ace Jerry Reuss. In his very first start on Opening Day, Valenzuela threw a complete-game shutout against the Houston Astros. This was just the beginning of an incredible run: Valenzuela started his rookie season by winning his first eight starts, all complete games, with an astonishing five shutouts. His dominant pitching combined with his humble demeanor created a media frenzy, and fans flocked to stadiums to watch him pitch. “Fernandomania” spread like wildfire, not just in Los Angeles but throughout the country and especially in Latin America, where Valenzuela became a source of immense pride.

Valenzuela’s impact on the field was undeniable. He finished the strike shortened 1981 season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and 180 strikeouts, earning both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award—an unprecedented feat. He was also instrumental in leading the Dodgers to the World Series title in 1981, where they defeated the New York Yankees in six games. Valenzuela’s performance in the postseason, including a critical complete-game victory in Game 3 of the World Series, further cemented his status as a star.

Read the rest of this entry →

Top 5 Rookie Pitching Seasons in MLB History 0

Posted on August 05, 2024 by Dean Hybl

Baseball fans has been captivated this season by the emergence of Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes. The first pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, Skenes has reached amazing heights having started the 2024 MLB All-Star Game and drawing comparisons to other great rookie pitchers from throughout baseball history.

We will find out over the next two months if Paul Skenes deserves to be ranked among the top 5 rookie pitchers of all-time.

The journey from promising prospect to Major League Baseball (MLB) rookie can be daunting, but some pitchers have managed to make an immediate and unforgettable impact. We still have two months to see if Skenes will finish as one of the top rookie pitchers of all-time, but in the interim, here are the top 5 rookie pitching seasons in MLB history, showcasing their remarkable achievements and lasting legacies.

1. Fernando Valenzuela (1981, Los Angeles Dodgers)

Fernando Valenzuela’s rookie season in 1981, dubbed “Fernandomania,” is one of the most iconic in MLB history. The young left-hander from Mexico burst onto the scene with a unique screwball and a charismatic presence on the mound.

Fernando Valenzuela helped lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series title during his rookie season of 1981.

Valenzuela started the season with eight consecutive complete game victories, capturing the imagination of baseball fans worldwide. He finished the season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and 180 strikeouts in 192.1 innings pitched. Valenzuela’s dominance earned him both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, making him the first player to win both honors in the same year. His impact extended beyond statistics, as he brought a new wave of Latino fans to the game and left an enduring legacy in baseball history.

2. Mark Fidrych (1976, Detroit Tigers)

Mark Fidrych, known as “The Bird” for his resemblance to the Sesame Street character Big Bird, captured the hearts of baseball fans with his eccentric behavior and outstanding performance in 1976. Fidrych would talk to the baseball, groom the mound meticulously, and exude a contagious enthusiasm that made him an instant fan favorite.

Read the rest of this entry →

Fernando Valenzuela: Remembering Fernandomania 5

Posted on April 09, 2011 by Dean Hybl

Fernando Valenzuela

It was 30 years ago that the April Sports Then and Now Vintage Athlete of the Month became a national phenomenon as he captured the hearts and spirits of baseball fans across North America.

The rise of Fernando Valenzuela was exactly what the baseball world needed at a time when labor unrest started to lift its ugly head. Read the rest of this entry →

  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Louie Dampier: The First 3-Point King
      November 13, 2024 | 1:02 pm
      Louie Dampier

      Louie Dampier’s name might not resonate as widely as other basketball legends, but the Sports Then & Now Vintage Athlete of the Month’s impact on the game, particularly during the American Basketball Association (ABA) era, is undeniable. Known for his pinpoint shooting, exceptional ball handling, and relentless work ethic, Dampier enjoyed a stellar basketball career that saw him thrive in both the ABA and NBA. As one of the most consistent and prolific guards of his time, Dampier left a lasting legacy, and his role in the ABA’s history solidified his place in the annals of basketball greatness.

      Read more »

    • RSSArchive for Vintage Athlete of the Month »
  • Follow Us Online

  • Current Poll

    Will the Los Angeles Lakers win the 2025 NBA Title?

    View Results

    Loading ... Loading ...
  • Post Categories



↑ Top