Fernando Valenzuela, a former Mexican baseball pitcher, had an extensive career in Major League Baseball spanning 17 seasons. While playing for multiple teams, his most notable stint was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Valenzuela not only showcased his pitching skills but also proved to be a formidable hitter.
In 1990, during his final year with the Dodgers, he achieved impressive stats at the plate: a .304 batting average along with five doubles, one home run, and 11 RBIs in just 69 at-bats. This outstanding performance earned him a 101 OPS+, placing him above average among National League hitters that season.
With a remarkable win-loss record of 173-153 and an ERA of 3.54, Valenzuela's career shines brightly. Furthermore, boasting a wins above replacement value of 41.5, he holds the highest ranking among MLB players born in Mexico. His last MLB appearance was on July 14, 1997, for the St. Louis Cardinals. After the 1997 season, he retired from baseball.
Born in Etchohuaquila, a small hamlet in the municipality of Navojoa in the state of Sonora, Mexico, Fernando Valenzuela was the youngest of twelve children. Although his actual birth date is November 1, 1960, several people doubted his age during his rookie season in 1981, speculating that he was much older than 20. His parents, Avelino and María, are indigenous Mayo people who worked the land with the assistance of their children.
In 2003, Valenzuela made a comeback to the Dodgers organization, co-hosting the Spanish-language color commentary for National League West games in the booth with Jaime Jarrín and Pepe Yñiguez. He was moved to the role of color commentator for SportsNet LA's Spanish-language feed in 2015. In addition, Valenzuela coached Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classics in 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2017. In 2017, he bought the Tigres de Quintana Roo franchise in the Mexican League.
How many kids do Fernando Valenzuela and Linda Burgos have?
Fernando Valenzuela, a renowned baseball player, and Linda Burgos, a dedicated school teacher hailing from Mexico, tied the knot in 1981. They are the proud parents of four children: Fernando Valenzuela Jr., who was born on September 30, 1982, in San Pedro, CA; Maria Fernanda Valenzuela, Ricardo Valenzuela; and Linda Valenzuela.
Fernando Valenzuela Jr.
Fernando Valenzuela Jr., born on September 30, 1982, in San Pedro, CA, is the son of Fernando Valenzuela and Linda Burgos. He pursued his education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Following his passion for baseball, he embarked on a career as a first baseman within the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations. Since 2006, Fernando Jr. has dedicated himself to playing minor league baseball in either Mexico or independent leagues.
Maria Fernanda Valenzuela
The details and information regarding Maria Fernanda Valenzuela, the daughter of Fernando Valenzuela and Linda Burgos, are currently unavailable.
Ricardo Valenzuela
Currently, there is no information available regarding Ricardo Valenzuela, the son of Fernando Valenzuela and Linda Burgos.
Linda Valenzuela
Linda Valenzuela, the daughter of Fernando Valenzuela and Linda Burgos, was born on April 18, 1986 in Los Angeles, California. Unfortunately, there is not any additional information about her available.
FAQs
Q. What was Fernando Valenzuela's career batting average?
A. Fernando Valenzuela primarily focused on his pitching skills rather than batting, as he was a professional pitcher. Despite this, it is impressive to note that over his 17-year MLB career, he managed to maintain a .200 career batting average while hitting 11 home runs and driving in 69 runs (RBIs).
A. Fernando Valenzuela primarily focused on his pitching skills rather than batting, as he was a professional pitcher. Despite this, it is impressive to note that over his 17-year MLB career, he managed to maintain a .200 career batting average while hitting 11 home runs and driving in 69 runs (RBIs).
Q. Did Fernando Valenzuela have a unique pitching style?
A. Yes, he had a unique pitching style characterized by a high leg kick and a devastating screwball pitch. His unconventional delivery, paired with exceptional command, established him as a formidable presence on the mound.
A. Yes, he had a unique pitching style characterized by a high leg kick and a devastating screwball pitch. His unconventional delivery, paired with exceptional command, established him as a formidable presence on the mound.
Q. Did Fernando Valenzuela play in any All-Star Games?
A. During his baseball career, Fernando Valenzuela has appeared in All-Star games six times. He was selected as an All-Star in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986.
A. During his baseball career, Fernando Valenzuela has appeared in All-Star games six times. He was selected as an All-Star in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, and 1986.
Q. How did Fernando Valenzuela get the nickname "El Toro"?
A. Fernando Valenzuela gained the nickname "El Toro," or "The Bull" in Spanish, for his formidable presence and dominant pitching style on the baseball field. It reflected his aggressive pitching style and his ability to dominate opposing batters.
A. Fernando Valenzuela gained the nickname "El Toro," or "The Bull" in Spanish, for his formidable presence and dominant pitching style on the baseball field. It reflected his aggressive pitching style and his ability to dominate opposing batters.
