Born in 1960 in Mexico, Fernando Valenzuela quit school to devote himself to baseball. After playing in the farm leagues, he made his professional debut in 1980. In 1981, he became the first Dodger rookie to start on opening day. Five days and five consecutive shut-out victories later, “Fernandomania” struck the nation. In his first year, Valenzuela was named starter on the All-Star team and Rookie of the Year. He became the first Latino and rookie to receive the Cy Young Award and helped the Dodgers win their first World Championship since 1965. In 1994, Valenzuela returned to Los Angeles as a friendly rival pitching for the Phillies. Taking the mound, he received a standing ovation from a sold-out stadium who remembered the days of
“Fernandomania”.