On Oct. 23, 1981, Fernando Valenzuela helped the Los Angeles Dodgers get back on track in the World Series by throwing a complete game against the New York Yankees.
The left-hander allowed four runs on seven hits and collected six strikeouts against seven walks while going the distance. The effort was just enough for the Dodgers to pull out a 5-4 win in Game 3 at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers went on to win the next two games by one run to take a 3-2 lead in the World Series. The Fall Classic then shifted back to Yankee Stadium for Game 6, which saw the Dodgers earn a 9-2 win to capture their fifth World Series title in franchise history.
Valenzula’s start in Game 3 was his only appearance of the World Series. It capped off a historic 1981 season that resulted in Valenzuela winning National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors.
The 20-year-old started for the Dodgers on Opening Day, which marked the beginning of an impressive streak. He strung together eight consecutive wins (five shutouts) to start the season.
Valenzuela fell one victory shy of tying Dave Ferris’ MLB record for most starts in a row won by a rookie. He pitched to a 0.50 ERA and had 68 strikeouts during the impressive stretch.
Valenzuela went on to finish the season 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA, 11 complete games, eight shoutouts and led all pitchers with 180 strikeouts. Over 11 seasons with the Dodgers, Valenzuela went 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA.
Dodgers mourn passing of Fernando Valenzuela
Valenzuela passed away on Tuesday night, just over a week away from what would have been his 64th birthday.
As the Dodgers were entering the final days of the regular season, the team announced that Valenzuela was stepping away from his broadcasting duties and instead planned to get healthy for next year.
“On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.”
MLB is planning to honor Valenzuela during the 2024 World Series.
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