Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Fernando Valenzuela was honored with an induction into the 12th class of the California Hall of Fame this week.
Seven other prominent figures in addition to Valenzuela received recognition, including Joan Baez, Arlene Blum, Belva Davis, Thomas Keller, Ed Lee, Nancy McFadden and Robert Redford.
The ceremony was held at the California Museum in Sacramento. Each inductee was personally selected by Governor Jerry Brown and First Lady Anne Brown.
Valenzuela was enshrined for his achievements on the mound in a Dodgers uniform. His illustrious career took off in 1981, when he racked up a plethora of accolades as a rookie.
Behind a superb 2.48 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in a Major League-leading 25 starts, Valenzuela earned a National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year honors, as well as being selected to his first of six consecutive All-Star appearances.
In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, Valenzuela was part of two World Series championship teams (1981, 1988). All-in-all, he accrued a 141-116 record, 3.31 ERA and 1.28 WHIP with 1,759 strikeouts over 2,348.2 innings pitched.
Valenzuela will further be honored during the 2019 MLB season, when he joins Steve Garvey and Don Newcombe as members of the inaugural class of “Legends of Dodger Baseball.”
Inductees will receive a plaque honoring their achievements with the Dodgers, which will also be on permanent display at Dodger Stadium.
