‘Fernandomania’ - In 1981 Fernando Valenzuela was the rage of America coast to coast

Fernando Valenzuela played in the Mexican League in the mid 1970s and caught the eye on several major league scouts. The Los Angeles Dodgers bought out his contract for $ 120,000. in 1979. He played briefly in the minor leagues that summer, and then excelled in the Texas League in 1980, before being promoted to the big league club towards the end of the season. In 10 relief pitching appearances, he pitched 18 shutout innings, winning two games and saving one. In 1981, he was named the Dodgers Opening Day starting pitcher only after Jerry Reuss was injured 24 hours before his scheduled start and Burt Hooten was not ready to pitch. Valenzuela shut out the Houston Astros 2-0 and immediately became the rage of southern California and baseball fans nationwide. ‘Fernandomania’ swept the country as huge standing room only crowds witnessed every start he made. He became an instant media icon with his flamboyant pitching style. Fernando started the season 8–0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He led the Dodgers to the World Series title over the Yankees, and became the first and only player ever to win the Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award in the same season.