why isn't fernando valenzuela in the hall of fame

He was a six-time All-Star during his 11 seasons in with the Dodgers from 1980-90. No wonder he became a cultural icon in the Latino community in the United States, Mexico, and Latin America. (Lou Sauritch/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). 34 in 2019. The announcement was made earlier today during the Dodgers' 2023 . Valenzuela helped carry the Dodgers to the World Series title and became the first pitcher to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season. He further internationalized the player pool. His next chance will be in three years when he can be considered by the Hall of Fames Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee. In that May 14, 1981, game against the Expos that gave Valenzuela an 8-0 record, it took a walk-off homer by Guerrero to set it off at Chavez Ravine. Considering Guggenheim Baseball Management has made the teams history a cornerstone of their stewardship, it became an obvious fix. I dont see why any players number should be retired. Even though Valenzuela has been retired for 26 years, he has been prevented from participating in the Dodgers greatest tradition because of, well, the tradition. Now, more than 40% of the teams fans are Latino. For me it would be nice, but for right now I dont see anyone wearing that number, Valenzuela said Saturday. Not just at Dodger Stadium. While he played for six MLB teams, his longest tenure was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers released Valenzuela at the end of spring training in 1991, and they havent issued number 34 to anyone since. Therefore, he should be nominated based on those requirements mentioned above and the following accomplishments:A career record of 173 wins and 153 losesNamed NL Rookie of the Year (1981)First rookie player to win the Cy Young Award (1981)Lead the Dodgers to the World Series (1981)MLB Strikeout Leader (1981)6 times All-Star (1981-1986)2 times Silver Slugger Award (1981-1983)Gold Globe Award (1986)NL wins leader (1986)Pitch a no-hitter (1990)Let's not forget that his popularity generated the phenomenon known as "FERNANDOMANIA." His best seasons were 1981, his rookie year, and 1986, when he led the National League with 21 wins and had a league-leading 20 complete games. So, of course #34 should be retired. Ive never seen anything like it, broadcaster Jaime Jarrn told Sports Illustrated. "That helped a lot," Valenzuela said. The cheers will probably be unlike anything previously heard at Chavez Ravine. Baseball folks from outside of Southern California have never quite understood the Valenzuela Effect, witness the fact that he received only 6.2% of votes when he was first eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, and just 3.8% of votes the following year when he was dropped from the ballot. Why Fernando Valenzuela Should Be In Baseball Hall Of Fame Los Angeles Times . "There are no words to express what's going on here. This year, the Dodgers celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fernandomania, a magical rookie season that meant so much to many. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). Ive never been in this kind of situation. Eventually, the phenomenon known as Fernandomania made it all the way to Cooperstown. For 30 years, Valenzuelas number has been functionally retired. Im sitting here trying to think of another player that had an era named after him. Cinco de Mayo has taken on a new meaning in the United States, where it serves as an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and contributions. Its largely Latino fan base is a result of growth that began with Valenzuela. Mostly good. His career highlights include a win-loss record of 173-153, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.54. Lasorda looked Fernando Valenzuela, who was all of 20 years old, up and down and asked if he was ready to start the next day. Fernando Valenzuela was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. In addition to inspiring the multiple generations of Latin American players, Valenzuela created multiple generations of Mexican fans. Omissions? Right now, I dont see anyone wearing that number, so that would be nice, no? Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. I dont know what the Dodgers are thinking, but Id be happy if somebody was wearing that number. To his point: The Dodgers have fielded some bad teams over the last 20 seasons and all but one of them finished the season with an annual home attendance of more than 3 million fans. Gilliam played on four World Series championship teams with the Dodgers and was serving as the teams first base coach when he died at age 49. I guess not.. They would pray the Rosary. To me, it would be nice. We Latins are big sports fans. Valenzuela had a career record of 173 wins and 153 losses. Thanks to this kid, people fell in love with baseball. Will you do the same? Its good enough that you cant lean on his curve or his screwball.. Valenzuela again returned to the Charros in 1994, but was brought back to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies at the end of the season and signed with the San Diego Padres the following spring. Nestled in the Mayo Valley, between the coast of the Gulf of California and the Rio Mayo, lies Navojoa, Mexico. That unexpected outing was made possible when an injured Jerry Reuss couldnt answer the bell and began a run of eight consecutive victories, including five shutouts and a streak of 35 straight scoreless innings. He will be shown on the videoboard throughout the weekend as he works his job with the Dodgers Spanish-language broadcast team. To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor, said Fernando Valenzuela. No gap to add a new number. His No. And with that, Fernandomania was born. Valenzuela was discovered in 1977 by Los Angeles scout Corito Varona while playing in the Mexican League. Not only in Los Angeles, but the whole country.". It was estimated attendance jumped from 7,000-10,000 whenever Valenzuela pitched in the halcyon days of Fernandomania. The children of Valenzuelas fans, and now even their children, have become Dodgers fans. LOS ANGELES From the first spark of Fernandomania, Fernando Valenzuela was exceptional. It is an appropriate honor for arguably the most impactful Dodger in Los Angeles franchise history. But at the end of the day, this just made more sense than just sticking to the policy.. What took so long? The Dodgers actually found him, which was in itself a miracle. 2016 CALIFORNIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE. As I recall they slightly did that back in 06 with a giveaway blanket. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. For longtime Dodgers fans who have been exposed to few Mexican players, he became a symbol of the wonders of inclusion. Because though making the major league minimum salary of $32,500 in 1981, he would become the first player to win both the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards. The stoic Valenzuela was clearly moved by the honor. (25 in 1963, 26 in '68) and the Majors with a 2.10 ERA in 1969. Fernando Valenzuela Hall Of Fame. Born the youngest of 12, Fernando Valenzuela looked nothing like the games typical aces, with their lanky limbs and imposing height. And he would gut out a Game 3 victory in the World Series against the New York Yankees that October, which would jump-start the Dodgers to a 4-2 series win after they lost the first two games. On April 9, 1981, in front of 50,511 fans, the Dodgers faced off against the defending NL West champ Houston Astros and triumphed, thanks to a complete game, five-hit shutout by the rookie from Etchohuaquila. But the question I get more than any other is about retiring Fernandos jersey. 34 this summer, Dodgers complete sweep of Cardinals with resourceful offense, Dodgers plan to promote Gavin Stone for start on Wednesday, Clayton Kershaw flirts with perfection in Dodgers win over Cardinals, Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (April 20-27), More land sliding at Casa Romantica; residents evacuated, trains halted through San Clemente, Orange County Artist of the Year winners announced, Then and Now: Photos of Casa Romantica show damage caused by landside, Fire at Barnes & Noble in Orange disrupts book-signing event, OC Marine who volunteered in Ukraine, survived rocket attack: I would do it again, Cold, drizzly week ahead for Southern California, The DMV says permission to drive is based on ability, but older drivers are scrutinized more, Status Update: Dutch Bros. drive-through coffee shop plots first OC locations, A look at Orange Countys baseball teams and the CIF-SS playoffs, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Fernandomania? MLB Power Rankings: Who's No. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). If there is any true honor is should be in a player being able to wear a past players number. Lasorda turned to the cherubic left-hander getting his work in on the side, the rookie who had never started a game in the big leagues and was slated to be the Dodgers' No. 3 starter, was moved up to pitch the opener due to an injury to Jerry Reuss. Thank you to all the fans for your support, said Valenzuela. His five-hit shutout of the defending division champion Houston Astros caught everybody's attention. Reporters descended upon Etchohuaquila, eager to unspool the origin story of the young phenom. If somebody is asking for that number, no problem.. If things had turned out differently, if I didn't do my job, we don't know if there would have been more opportunities, no? Valenzuela said. The widespread calls spoke to the enormity of Valenzuelas legacy. "That's when people became aware of Fernando. Imagine his wonder, then, when the Dodger Stadium organist began playing bullfighting music to accompany "El Toro" for his trip from the dugout to the mound. He began his professional baseball career at age 17 in the Mexican Center League, which later became a part of the expanded Mexican League. Of course they dropped the ball when presented with a perfect opportunity to officially remove Fernando Valenzuelas No. Valenzuela retired in 1997 after 17 big league seasons as the all-time leader in wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) among Mexican-born Major Leaguers. It was overdue, said Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, who was by Valenzuelas side as his translator during the Fernandomania days and later when Valenzuela joined the Dodgers Spanish-language broadcast team. Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelpline.ma.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). The one question that I continuously get asked, more than anything else, is about retiring Fernando Valenzuelas number. Fernando Valenzuela was one of MLB's most beloved players over his 17-season career. Author of. And this was everywhere we went. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Outside of the stadium. Geoglyphs serve as reminders of the Mayan tribes that inhabited the area for centuries, but nowadays the region is primarily known for its agriculture and shrimp farming. Well continue to do that from time to time.. It was a wonderful way to bring two countries together., A baseball signed by Fernando Valenzuela, from Game 1 of La Primera Serie in Mexico in 1996. Sign up to receive our daily Morning Lineup to stay in the know about the latest trending topics around Major League Baseball. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Valenzuela deserves a place alongside him. No one has worn 34 since Fernando so why not make it official ? His importance to the Dodgers, in particular, was critical to the point that former owner Walter OMalley imagined him before he existed. All Wins Above Replacement and Wins Above Average data . The Dodgers unofficial policy is that they only retire uniform numbers of Hall of Fame players, which is a fine sentiment but certainly open to exceptions. Dodgers: Season Ticket Holders Can Buy Their Own World Series Ring. Years ago, Mexican-born Julio Uras was asked whether his father ever told him stories about Valenzuela. "No single player created more baseball fans than Fernando," Jarrin said. When we came here, we respected the history of the franchise, and that included respecting its policies, said Kasten of Guggenheims purchase in 2012. Armed with a new screwball taught by Castillo, Valenzuela made his big league debut the following season at the end of 1980. The lefty spent two and a half seasons with his former division rival, including a 1996 campaign where he went 13-8 with a 3.62 ERA, before being traded and subsequently released. He kept wearing it for the Dodgers, when he won Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award, through six All-Star Games, while pitching a no-hitter, and as a part of two World Series winners, all while captivating a fanbase as the Dodgers biggest-ever star from Mexico. Valenzuela spoke with the media ahead of his celebration on Sunday. The Dodgers wont yet confirm that Gavin Stone will make his major league debut on Wednesday but a hint to why it will happen was dropped Sunday. Now it will become the 12th jersey number officially retired by the Dodgers, joining Gilliam, Pee Wee Reese, Tommy Lasorda, Duke Snider, Gil Hodges, Don Sutton, Walter Alston, Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson and Don Drysdale. Valenzuela was injured when the Dodgers won their most recent World Series, in 1988, and was released in spring training of 1991 but he has been back with the organization since 2003, when he joined Jarrin in the broadcast booth. Nick Frasso pitched four more scoreless innings for Double-A Tulsa. Those are all exceptional. Clayton Kershaw will be on the bump for Los Angeles to face off against Washingtons Max Scherzer. Dodgers team president and CEO Stan Kasten announced at Saturdays FanFest event that the team will retire Valenzuelas uniform number this season. The audience that was won over by Valenzuela remains. 34 from their jersey rotation. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Dodgers: Fernando Valenzuela Speaks Out On His Number Not Being Retired by the Team. Its hard to envision a player having a greater impact on a fan base then the one Fernando has had.. Im very pleased, very happy for Fernando. "I've never seen anything like it," broadcaster Jaime Jarrn told Sports Illustrated. It is a testament to his enduring charm. The 1981 season came to a temporary close on June 12, due to a players strike which lasted through July 31, but neither Valenzuela nor the hordes of Fernandomania fanatics were flustered by the stoppage. Opening day of 1981 launched "Fernandomania," a phenomenon in Los Angeles and then the nation named after the Mexican-born pitcher. Dodgers honor Fernando Valenzuela, but they still havent retired his number 34, The case for Kershaw to win NL pitcher of the month, Week 5: Stolen bases, catchers interference & a sweep. Meanwhile, his start in New York drew nearly 20,000 more fans than the Mets average that season, and the number of radio stations carrying the Dodgers Spanish-language broadcasts skyrocketed. What Fernando did in his first 8 starts was a streak for the ages: 8 wins, 7 complete . In a long-awaited move that will rock Chavez Ravine at its Fernandomania roots, the Dodgers announced Saturday that they are retiring Valenzuelas No. Im probably going to be thinking, This happened to me?!. Our 'Access SportsNet: Dodgers' crew react to the news of Fernando Valenzuela's jersey retirement. The 19-year-old made 10 appearances in relief, and didnt allow a single run, but no one could have guessed what history would hold for both the Mexican lefty and Major League Baseball. The series was the first regular season series to be played outside the United States or Canada. It has become the House that Fernando Built. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Fernando has the potential to become king of them all.. His career record of 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA is deemed average, and he never won a major award or participated on a World Series championship team after the 1981 Fernandomania. Sports Celebrating the legacy of Fernandomania 40 years later April 8, 2021 Before refuting the premise by. Especially within the Mexican community., In 2010, Valenzuela was the subject of an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, directed by Mexican native and Los Angeles-raised Cruz Angeles, who said this on the eve of the films debut: For my generation, Im talking Generation X, the children of Mexican immigrants that grew up in Southern California in the 1980s, hes not a myth, he was a hero. Valenzuelas impact on the Dodgers is immense, and he remains in the family as an announcer for the team. And with that, Fernandomania was born. Way-too-early 2018 power rankings More recently, the Mexican Baseball League retired his No. For Mexicans and Mexican Americans during a time when Los Angeles was undergoing great ethnic upheaval, Valenzuela became a source of pride. Valenzuela made the Dodgers the team of a community that once viewed the franchise with suspicion. And for good reason. While the ERA looks impressive, the Mexican Center League was a low-offense environment and three team staffs had lower ERAs. The workload eventually caught up to him. All fathers wanted their sons to be the next Fernando Valenzuela, and all of us kids would imitate his delivery, looking up to the sky, hands up in the air high and everything. "He was a little chubby. Valenzuela batted and threw left-handed. Thirty-four is the Dodgers true magic number. MEXICO CITY -- By the time the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants take the field Saturday for their historic two-game series at Mexico City's Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, a flurry of Major . Proceeds from online store purchases help support our mission to preserve baseball history. Craig Reynolds had two of Houston's five hits and Valenzuela did flirt with danger in the sixth inning. April 9, 1981 saw the birth of Fernandomania. Gambling Problem? El Toro was celebrated for his unorthodox pitching delivery as well as his signature pitch, the screwball, taught to him by friend and teammate Bobby Castillo in 1979. He was one of us, and we wanted to be like him.. Valenzuela has served as a player, coach and general manager for Team Mexico in several international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic. Fernando turned so many people from Mexico, Central America, South America into fans., Isabelle Minasian was the digital content specialist at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. "The nerves come when you don't know what's going to happen. (Rich Pilling/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). The Hall of Fame right-hander is famous for his very high leg kick during his windup, and that pose is captured in the form of a statue to honor him outside Oracle Park in San Francisco. He should be in Cooperstown for contributions that have been unmatched in baseball history. Sooner or later, it has to be properly recognized. When asked about how he felt about the Dodgers not retiring his number 34, Fernando gave the humble answer that you might come to expect from him. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Seriously, if commissioners can receive baseballs highest honor for creating the stage on which todays players perform, a player should be able to too. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. In 1933, Mel Almada changed the course of baseball history forever. Kasten broke the news to Valenzuela earlier this week, appropriately on the pitchers mound at Dodger Stadium. Which isn't to say Selig isn't deserving. Kastens proclamation, with Valenzuela at his side, was met with surprised cheers and shrieks from several thousand fans who surged toward the stage while holding up smartphones and Valenzuela jerseys. Valenzuela made just a handful of appearances, and then the Dodgers connected him with another young pitcher Bobby Castillo to develop an off-speed pitch. If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky, indeed. No. Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela acknowledges the crowd before throwing out the first pitch of the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium. Theyre going to be very excited to know that my No. But I have never seen anything like this, and I dont think I will ever see it again., When Fernando pitched, it wasnt a sporting event, it was a social event, echoed Jarrn, in a story from the Los Angeles Times. He became a cultural icon in the Latino community in the United States and a hero in his home country. The policy was only players inducted into the Baseball HOF were considered to have their Dodger number retired, with the exception of Jim Gilliam. 34 is being retired.. The climate around an increasingly proactive fan base changed. Even though many never saw him play, VALENZUELA is rivaled by only KERSHAW and KOUFAX., "He made a huge impact not only on Los Angeles and the Dodgers, but a huge impact on all of Major League Baseball." Self-guided tour or VIP experience. He was the first Mexican-born player to be inducted and is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. I get all kinds of comments some good, some bad. Maybe this latest Dodger honor will help. Fernando Valenzuela, in full Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea, byname El Toro (the Bull), (born November 1, 1960, Etchohuaquila, Mexico), Mexican professional baseball player whose career spanned 17 seasons in the major leagues of the United States.

Pappas Restaurants Net Worth, Travel Brunei Darussalam Poem Analysis, Articles W