items-of-interest. We also offer a variety of resources for baseball players, including tips on hitting, pitching, and fielding. New York's bullpen further collapsed in the sixth. In his 1991 autobiography T.J.: My 26 Years in Baseball, John revealed that before the game, Lemon and team owner George Steinbrenner settled on the following strategy: get the lead early and then protect it with the bullpen (despite the bullpen's collapses earlier in the series). On Reuschel's second pitch, Lopes and Russell pulled a double steal. The popular left-hander demanded a salary increase to $850,000, about $500,000 more than what the Dodgers ended up paying him. The Dodgers found Fernando Valenzuela in 1980, when he was just 19 years old. [citation needed]. LOS ANGELES - Inside Dodger Stadium, the man who triggered Fernandomania snapped his fingers. Brito, who was born in Cuba and was a key figure in the discovery of the pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, whose sensational 1981 season sparked a frenzy of fans known as Fernandomania, died on Thursday at the age of 77. Valenzuela had 76 walks and just 64 strikeouts in 142 innings. Graig Nettles led off the inning with a double. Is there a catcher anywhere around here?". He would have a terrific career with 173 wins and more than 2,000 strikeouts and six All-Star appearances, one Cy Young Award and three other. My problem, Steve, is my fastball is the same as my changeup, so I hope that doesn't confuse you. Was there any kind of celebration? This World Series was the last to be called by Jackson in the broadcast booth. However, "Fernandomania" deserves more than just one night. Year Team League; (Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Los Angeles Times) It's not a stretch or blasphemous to. Yankees pitcher George Frazier tied a World Series record for losing three of the six games in 1981. 2020 was one of the most memorable years in recent memory and not for good reason as, Prior to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Angels playing to a tie at Tempe, Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda is being honored Saturday with the, FOCO released new 2023 World Baseball Classic bobbleheads, with Los Angeles Dodgers, This Day In Dodgers History: Fernando Valenzuela Throws Complete-Game Shutout On 1981 Opening Day, Max Muncy Wearing Custom Tommy Lasorda Cleats For Dodgers Home Opener. Copyright 1999- Fernando Valenzuela is a former Major League Baseball(MLB) pitcher born on 1st November 1960, in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico. $5.50 shipping. SPONSORED. Yankee manager Bob Lemon then brought starting pitcher Tommy John out of the bullpen instead of Gossage. biographical data, year-by-year hitting stats, detailed fielding Keith Jackson and Al Michaels shared play-by-play duties, with Michaels replacing Jackson when the latter deferred to his primary role as ABC's lead college football announcer. Valenzuela's career ERA on May 14, 1981 was 0.40, with four earned runs allowed in 89 innings. A look at every Dodgers team prospect rankings from national outlets, including Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, ESPN, FanGraphs, MLB Pipeline, and The Athletic. In the bottom of the fourth, Yankee manager Bob Lemon made a controversial decision. No Gavin Lux -- big problem. Focus on Sport/Getty Images The next season, when he was. You're always looking to win, you always want to win the game, but if something more happens, like putting up nine zeros, getting a shutout or even throwing a no-hitter or a perfect game, that's something harder. After the first pitch, Scully left fans with the phrase he uttered before every Dodgers game that he called from Brooklyn to Los Angeles before retiring. Several months prior to that, a 20-year-old Mexican native took the mound on Opening Day for his first career Major League start. A tense moment occurred in the eighth when Goose Gossage beaned Ron Cey. It's hard to fathom just how good Valenzuela was to start his career. "It's not my arm. Former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela looks skyward during his windup, a delivery he made famous in the 1980s. Morris started the most games, pitched the most innings, and had the most wins of any pitcher in that decade. You've been practicing for a week. The excitement of some games, like the World Series, All-Star Games. What did your teammates say to you? This man was the radar gun. Scully said as he walked toward the pitcher's mound to a standing ovation from the sold-out crowd. He spoke little English but captivated this city and baseball fans across. 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. He signed with the Tigers in 1992 but was lent to the Mexican League and spent all season with Jalisco. Pinch-hitter Bobby Murcer attempted a sacrifice bunt, but popped it foul. 8) Jack Morris. "Nothing has. He showed up in the postseason, too. Do you still have any souvenirs from that game? Where what happened yesterday is being preserved today. The greatest lineups ever? It's a nice memory, as the chance to be involved in those kind of games isn't something that happens every day. The Yankees pushed across two more in the eighth off Steve Howe on a RBI single by Bob Watson and a sacrifice fly by Randolph. Sure, I was with my teammates after the game, being congratulated by family, but that was it, nothing more. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. on: function(evt, cb) { Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea (born November 1, 1960 in Novojao, Mexico) is a Mexican former left-handed pitcher who pitched for six different teams during his Major League Baseball career, most notably the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he pitched for eleven seasons, from 1980 to 1990. The All-Star label/link in the final section only shows whether or not Fernando Valenzuela was an All-Star during the season where he appeared in the World Series (Dash=Not an All-Star | Stats=An All-Star and the link leads to the All-Star Game). Normally, they don't speak to you, they don't say anything. So for me, at that time, I tried to find the corners with my pitches because I had given up six walks and the score was 6-0, so I could afford to allow one or two batters to get on base and still have a chance of winning. Cey had to be helped off the field with a concussion, but was cleared to play Game 6 after it was delayed one day by rain. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he compiled a 141-116 record with a 3.31 earned run average. Originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, Game 6 was postponed a day by rain. It was for that reason, Valenzuela, who sparkedFernandomaniaacross Dodgers Nation, refused to report to Spring Training the following March until he was paid a fair wage. Coming off their first championship since 1965, the franchise was in a strong position to stand firm. Valenzuela was released at the end of spring training in 1991,. Ace starter Ron Guidry won 11 games against while rookie Dave Righetti emerged as an important starter, winning eight games with a 2.05 ERA. Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Valenzuela was at odds with his manager on whether or not he was hurt all season, per Sam McManis of the Los Angeles Times: "I've had a bad year," Valenzuela said. After Dusty Baker reached on an error by Nettles, loading the bases again, Guerrero singled in two more runs. The Yankees, managed by Bob Lemon (in his second stint, having replaced Gene Michael), had a losing second-half (2526) but won the first-half (3422) to qualify for the playoffs. I'm going to have to go to the bullpen. Yes, of course. "I feel like I'm almost defiling the mound," Scully said as he handed the ball over to Valenzuela. The Padres are the first team since 2015 to eliminate the Dodgers from the postseason and not win the World Series: 2021: Braves in NLCS 2020: Dodgers won 2019: Nationals in NLDS 2018: Red Sox in WS 2017: Astros in WS 2016: Cubs in NLCS A wacky streak FINALLY comes to an end. [18], Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 23:06, Dodger infield of Garvey, Lopes, Russell and Cey, "Stanley Cup Final: Kings vs. Rangers in L.A.-New York Championship Duel", "Fall Classics: The 11 World Series showdowns between the Yankees and Dodgers", "1981 World Series Game 1 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees", "1981 World Series Game 2 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees", "1981 World Series Game 3 New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers", "1981 World Series Game 4 New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers", "1981 World Series Game 5 New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers", "1981 World Series Game 6 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees", "The Fourth Inning Hook (BaseballHistoryShorts.com)", "Yanks Are Now 0-4 on the Brink at the Stadium", "Dodgers' infield of the 1970s had a lasting impact", "World Series Gate Receipts and Player Shares", 1981 Los Angeles Dodgers at baseballlibrary.com, 1981 New York Yankees at baseballlibrary.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1981_World_Series&oldid=1139597486, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 23:06. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! "It went so fast." Forty years ago, he was the 20-year-old rookie, bursting on the scene as Major League Baseball's first Mexican . He walked two Yankee batters in the first, but pitched out of it. Tony Gonsolin made his spring debut, the Dodgers batters walked 10 times, and they came out of Tempe with a 2-2 tie against the Angels. Don't mess up. L.A. did everything right until Game 7 The longer he pitched with it, the more injurious it is to his health. Things happened, because they are things nobody can predict when these games will happen. Elsa/Getty Images. As great as Valenzuela was, he will not make it to Cooperstown. Valenzuela pitched a shutout in the 1981 World Series and helped the Dodgers win the championship. Where what happened yesterday is being preserved today. Though, he was unable to pitch that postseason due to injury. World Series Championship. "Getting to do work is another outlet. Fernando Valenzuela 's performance in Game 3 can best be described with one word: Tenacious. This seemed to have a calming effect on the rookie, as Scioscia knew Spanish and was better able to talk with Valenzuela than Steve Yeager.[10]. Gambling problem? Fernando Valenzuela "El Toro" Fernando Valenzuela 1981 Season Posted by Bob Lewis on July 31, 2019 Valenzuela was named the 1981 National League Rookie of the Year and NL Cy Young Award winner, and he also won a Silver Slugger Award. If so, please send it to us, and we'll update this page immediately." That did not last long though, as Valenzuela spawned the Fernandomania phenomenon, beginning with an Opening Day start in which he threw a complete-game shutout against the Houston Astros. When did Fernando Valenzuela throw his first no hitter? He was given more than 28 times the $35,000 minimum salary, which is more than four times his annual salary. LOS ANGELES - Leave it to Hollywood to produce some World Series first-pitch magic. "I'm going to get out of the way. The only other pitcher to lose that many was the Chicago White Sox's Lefty Williams, who intentionally lost his three starts in the infamous 1919 World Series. He was inducted into the Mexican baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. Jackson was not even allowed to pinch-hit. Dave Winfield walked and Jackson singled before Goltz gave up a sacrifice fly to Bob Watson. 7 Cubs pitchers combine for no-hitter vs Machado, Padres, Top moments from Brady, Manning, Jordan and other athletes hosting 'Saturday Night Live', Fantasy baseball rankings, projections, strategy and cheat sheets, Rangers' Leclerc to miss WBC with neck injury, Rockies' Rodgers may need surgery, '23 at risk, Rojas to withdraw from WBC, stay with Dodgers, Former columnist and writer after five years with Sports Illustrated, Markazi has also written for Slam, King, Vibe and Playboy. Meanwhile, Reuss was as effective as Guidry, holding the Yanks to five hits and the lone run and going the distance. Well, there have been so many, but I think I can narrow the list down to three Opening Days that stand out in my memory. Get breaking Dodgers News direct to your inbox. It was fate that enabled me to throw that no-hitter. Valenzuela played 11 of his 17 years in the major leagues with Los Angeles. With a 63 lead, the Yankees turned the pitching over to their relief combination of Ron Davis and Goose Gossage. The Atlanta Braves have won their first World Series title since 1995 after defeating the Houston Astros 7-0 in Game 6 on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park. The Series commenced on October 20, making it the latest start of the Series, breaking the previous record by 3 days (1910 World Series, October 17). The Dodgers won the title in seven games. Valenzuela, despite giving up 9 hits (including 2 homers), walking 7, and throwing 149 pitches in facing 40 batters, went the distance to give the Dodgers their first win of the series. We have box scores from every World Series game in history, line scores, Series rosters, composite team stats, trivia, a sample program, and a detailed written account of the actual Fall Classic. Ulises Alou, a Mexican-born player who played for the Dodgers from 1969 to 1974, is regarded as the first Mexican-born player in Major League Baseball. Astros embrace, enjoy their moment What's the Dodgers' plan at shortstop? The Yankees cut it to 32 in the second on a Bob Watson homer and a Larry Milbourne RBI single. No, that would have been the World Series. Dodger Stadium again started cheering when Fernando Valenzuela, who won two World Series with the Dodgers, in 1981 and 1988, and ignited "Fernandomania" when he captured the National League Cy . Due to the players' strike, which ran from June 12 to August 8, the 1981 season was split into two halves, with the first-place teams from each half in each division (or a wild card team if the same club won both halves, although this did not occur in any division) meeting in the best-of-five League Division Series (this division series was a one-off occasion; it was not until 1994 that the Division Series would be implemented on a permanent basis). When players went on strike in 1972, they agreed to include it in the collective bargaining agreement. I've kept the ball, it's there. Correa proposes on field after WS win Pinch-hitter Bobby Murcer flied out to end the inning. After making 255 consecutive starts to open his career, Valenzuela was shelved for the first time as he missed most of the final two months of the season on the disabled list with a left shoulder injury. Valenzuela was the first player to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young award in the same season. In a delightful pre-game ceremony before Game 2 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday, the 89-year-old broadcasting legend took the mound to throw out the first pitch and told adoring . The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wearing Gloves For Baseball Pitchers, Review Of The Top Baseball Helmets For Optimal Protection And Performance, Experience The Magic Of Target Field: Minnesota Twins Home Since 2010, Exploring The Differences Between Mens And Womens Baseball Caps, A Special Place For Kids At Second Base: Enhancing The Baseball Experience For Players And Fans, The Fascinating History Of The Brown Stuff On Baseball Helmets, Minnesota Vikings Unveil Sleek New Look For Thursday Night Football Game. On November 11, 1981, Fernando Valenzuela became the first rookie to win the Cy Young Award in its history. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The split-season decision was not a popular one, both among teams and their fans. The Yankees batters had early success against Dodgers pitcher Bob Welch, who faced four batters without recording an out before being relieved by Dave Goltz. He made his Major League debut in 1981, and he quickly became one of the best pitchers in baseball. His Game Three win in the World Seriesa gut-wrenching 147-pitch, 5-4 victorywas the turning point as the Dodgers began a four-game win streak to beat the Yankees. In both innings, Valenzuela issued two-out intentional walks to number 8 hitter Larry Milbourne in order to pitch to Dave Righetti and George Frazier. The Dodgers have an unofficial policy or only retiring uniform numbers of players and managers in the Hall of Fame, with Jim Gilliam the only exception. dark. Here's how WBC offenses stack up with MLB's best. John managed to strand Guerrero in scoring position to end the seventh and pitched the last two innings, but closer Gossage never got in the game. It's time for Dodger baseball! Davis then gave up a game-tying single to Bill Russell. NLCS & World Series performance: Valenzuela made it back from injury in time to make one regular season start and pitch another four innings in relief, but the left-hander was left off the postseason roster and reduced to a spectator against the Mets and Athletics. In the fifth, George Frazier, who relieved John, gave up an RBI single to Ron Cey and a two-run triple to Pedro Guerrero. In 1981, Fernando Valenzuela pitched a three-hitter in the third game of the World Series as the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees. Dave Winfield stumbled on the wet grass, fell forward, and uncorked an errant throw. Valenzuela is still involved with the Dodgers organization as a Spanish-language commentator. The Dodgers have a long history of having Mexican players. "Somewhere up in heaven, Duke Snider, Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella and Gil Hodges are laughing their heads off. Bad Bunny accepts the award for musica urbana album at the 65th Grammy Awards. Year Team League; 1981: Los Angeles Dodgers: NL: NL Cy Young. In the seventh, Dusty Baker led off with an infield hit off George Frazier and went to third on a Rick Monday liner that got past center fielder Bobby Brown when he tried to make a shoestring catch. I think it was fate because usually when a pitcher tries to stop a ground ball like that and isn't able to, the ball changes course but goes to one side or the other. 1981 Topps Traded #850 Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers SGC 8 NM-MT. Morris made four all-star teams during the 80s and helped lead the Tigers to the 1984 World Series Championship. (function() { When did Fernando Valenzuela join the Los Angeles Dodgers? Valenzuela, who was nicknamed El Toro (the Bull), got off to a slow start in 1982, perhaps the product of missing several weeks of Spring Training due to his holdout. I think everything came together with the team, my teammates rose to the occasion and we finally did it. When Dodgers scout Mike Brito is behind home plate at Dodger Stadium, he uses his radar gun to measure the speed of incoming pitches. Fernandomania did not yet exist. Fernando Valenzuela World Series Stats The Fernando Valenzuela World Series stats seen below include his World Series year-by-year hitting stats, World Series fielding stats, and World Series pitching stats (where applicable). Because that stays in your mind, about what happened in the game. During that season, the 1981 season, he finished with a 2.48 ERA in 192. Look at who's throwing out the first ball at the World Series. Visit his page for comprehensive On February 19, 1983, Fernando Valenzuela became the first player to be awarded a $1 million salary in arbitration. Gonzalez has already made an impact on the Dodgers organization, and he has already had an impact on the Dodgers. The 1981 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 1981 season. Bob Lemon lasted fourteen games in the next season before being dismissed by Steinbrenner despite promises to finish the whole season (although Lemon was quoted as being relieved over the decision). Here's everything you need to know about Houston's win over L.A. Astros win first World Series title He led all pitchers with 180 strikeouts that season. Because to throw a no-hitter, you need support from the offense, you need them to make runs. forms: { WelchHooton (87-91). The 78th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American League (AL) champion New York Yankees and the National League (NL) champion Los Angeles Dodgers. For me, it was a great feeling to know, after they had told me, that he'd thrown a no-hitter. Valenzuela compiled a 141-116 record during 11 seasons with the Dodgers, posting a 3.31 earned run average. In 1980 Valenzuela was promoted to the Double-A level San Antonio Dodgers. Fernando Valenzuela had thrown 17.2 scoreless innings over 10 relief appearances with the Dodgers in 1980, but he remained relatively unknown going into the 1981 season. On radio, CBS Radio carried the games with Vin Scully handling play-by-play and Detroit Tigers manager Sparky Anderson providing analysis, working together for the third consecutive year. Hooton scored standing, after which Lemon pulled Davis in favor of Rick Reuschel. Back in March, few people even recognized his name. After leading the majors with 192 innings in a strike-shortened rookie campaign en route to the Cy Young Award and a World Series win, Valenzuela pitched no fewer than 251 innings each year from 1982-1987. What were your thoughts at the time? On board of directors for Jim Murray Memorial Foundation. Los Angeles Dodgers The Dodgers got to the Series with help from Mexican-born rookie phenom Fernando Valenzuela, who won his first eight games including five by shutout. Valenzuela was part of two World Series champion teams, winning the 1981 National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. Blake Williams. In 1988, a year in which the Dodgers won the World Series, he won just five games and missed much of the season, despite not being on the postseason roster, he still earned a second World Series ring. Los Angeles will make it an entire weekend, with a collector's edition bobblehead given out to fans on Aug. 12 and a replica 1981 World Series ring given out on Aug. 13. Why Adam Wainwright, Cardinals aren't worried about low velocity readings Dodger Stadium again started cheering when Fernando Valenzuela, who won two World Series with the Dodgers, in 1981 and 1988, and ignited "Fernandomania" when he captured the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in 1981, stepped out of the dugout to throw out the first pitch to his former catcher. He was honored during the first homestand during the 2019 season as the first giveaway was a Fernando Valenzuela replica jersey. One Cy Young Award (when he led the league in games started, complete games, shutouts, innings pitched and strikeouts), and then for the rest of his career he led the in complete games two more times, and wins once, and won o. May gave up a double to Steve Garvey and an RBI single to Cey in the fifth, but the Yankees countered with two in the sixth on RBI singles by Oscar Gamble and Watson off Tom Niedenfuer. After posting a 1.71 ERA in four starts through the first two rounds of the playoffs, Valenzuela delivered a gutsy complete-game performance in the World Series against the Yankees in a must-win Game 3 with the Dodgers down 0-2. Yankee third baseman Graig Nettles suffered a hairline fracture of his left thumb when he made a diving stop. He appeared in six consecutive All-Star games. Valenzuela was released at the end of spring training in 1991, and though he signed with the Angels he appeared in just two games with a 12.15 ERA in Anaheim. Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea (born November 1, 1960 in Novojao, Mexico) is a Mexican former left-handed pitcher who pitched for six different teams during his Major League Baseball career, most notably the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he pitched for eleven seasons, from 1980 to 1990. Fernando's reputation was enhanced with wins in both the 1981 division and league championship series. June 29, 1990, was my chance to throw a no-hitter, and I think that leaves great memories because it wasn't just my achievement, it was the whole team's. In the 1981 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers were represented by pitchers Fernando Valenzuela, Burt Hooton, Jerry Reuss, and Bob Welch. He allowed an RBI single to Davey Lopes and an RBI groundout to Ron Cey in the third before leaving in favor of Rudy May. Touring the world with friends one mile and pub at a time; Valenzuela drew massive attention as a 20-year-old rookie for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981, inciting "Fernandomania". Ron Guidry held the Dodgers to four hits and a run (on a Steve Yeager homer) through seven innings. How many years did Juan Valenzuela pitch in the MLB? He improved slightly in 1989 and went 1013; he posted a 1313 record in 1990. Fernando Valenzuela Position: Pitcher Bats: Left Throws: Left 5-11 , 180lb (180cm, 81kg) Born: November 1, 1960 in Navojoa, Mexico mx More bio, uniform, draft, salary info Cy Young Rookie of the Year 6x All-Star 1981 World Series Gold Glove 2x Silver Slugger ML PoY 34 36 34 33 34 34 Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. He was the first Mexican-born player to be inducted and is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. { Signup for our newsletter to get notified about our next ride. But it was in 1981 that fans came out to Chavez Ravine every time he made his start. It was a normal day. He seemed to be in trouble every inning, but somehow managed to pitch a complete game, giving up. The Dodgers wound up meeting those, going on to defeat the New York Yankees in six games to win the 1981 World Series. 7/16/2022 at 8:20 PM 7/16/2022 at 8:20 PM . OK. Are you ready?". did fernando valenzuela win a world series. On Nov. 11, 1981, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela became the first rookie to ever win the Cy Young Award, edging Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati Reds. Odds to win 2018 World Series Despite the Dodgers history of success, which has been primarily attributed to American players, the teams future is bright as a result of Gonzalezs talent and Mexican heritage. "Oh, wait a minute," he said. The Mexican rookie took Los Angeles by storm, winning his first eight starts for the Dodgers and throwing shutouts in five . 24 in San Francisco, when Valenzuela pitched 7 scoreless innings to beat the Giants. Copyright 1999- Yankee starter Rick Reuschel then had problems of his own. The Dodgers would go on to win the World Series. Both home runs were hit on sliders almost to the same place in left-center. for all stats, uniform numbers worn, salary data and other factual Did Fernando Valenzuela pitch in the World Series? When the Dodgers next appeared in the World Series in 1988, Scully called the series nationally on television for NBC. I can't do it. Dodgers pitchers are hesitant to use the PitchCom device to call their own pitches. I got a glove to it on the mound and deflected it a little, but it went straight to Juan Samuel, who was playing at second base. When you found out, before your game started, that Dave Stewart had already thrown a no-hitter, did that motivate you? Valenzuela was on the mound to start 1988 for the Dodgers, the sixth opening day start of his career, trailing only the seven made by both Don Drysdale and Don Sutton in Dodgers franchise history. [1][2] This remains the most recent meeting between the Dodgers and the Yankees in the World Series, which has been the most frequent matchup in World Series history.[3]. This is the online home for all things baseball. It's none other than " El Toro " Fernando Valenzuela. Should his number be retired? 1988 Dodgers player profile: Fernando Valenzuela, the injuredsuperstar. He was most active throughout the '80s, when he became known as one of the better hitting pitchers of his era. Notes: The Date / Box field has a link to the box score from the game being described. While he played for six MLB teams, he is best remembered for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Forty years ago, he was the 20-year-old rookie, bursting on the scene as Major League Baseball's first Mexican superstar. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( Let's face it. Key Dodger losses included Reggie Smith (who signed with the San Francisco Giants after the season), Davey Lopes (traded in the off season), Ron Cey (traded in 1982), Steve Garvey (who departed for the San Diego Padres in 1983).