MLB
Fernando Valenzuela’s only no-hitter: A defining moment in baseball history
In his final year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the ‘Bull’ had a magical night against the St. Louis Cardinals, throwing his first MLB career no-hitter.
In the history of Mexican baseball, there is a distinct era before and after Fernando Valenzuela. He not only made a major impact on his fellow countrymen but also left a lasting impression on Major League Baseball while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1979 to 1991. He had memorable moments of glory with the team, such as his victory in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series against the Yankees and later a no-hitter towards the end of his time with the Dodgers.
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On June 29, “Toro” faced the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium in front of more than 38,000 fans. Earlier that day, his former teammate Dave Stewart had pitched a no-hitter for the Toronto Athletics. When informed about this, Fernando confidently stated during warm-up, “Well, you’ve already seen a no-hitter on television... now you’ll see one live.” And indeed, he delivered on his promise.
No-hitter game for Valenzuela
For nine innings, Fernando Valenzuela handcuffed the Cardinals, 119 pitches, 7 strikeouts, and 3 walks against 30 opponents, and in a game that lasted 2 hours 41 minutes, the left-hander from Navojoa did not allow any damage.
His last three opponents in the batter’s box were Vince Coleman, who struck out on a count of 2 and 2. Next up was Willie McGee, who was walked, and finally Pedro Guerrero; the latter managed to contact Doña Blanca, but luckily for the Mexican, he came out to where he was standing, managed to slow the hit with his glove, Dodgers second baseman Juan Samuel received it, stepped on his bag, got McGee out, threw to Eddie Murray to first, and the double play was accomplished to end the game.
This is how Fernando Valenzuela remembered it
“I think it’s something very special because those kinds of games don’t come around very often. June 29, 1990, was when we had the opportunity to pitch a no-hitter, and I think it leaves fond memories because there was some, not just on my part, but also on the team’s part. Because to pitch a no-hitter, you need the support of the offense, to score runs. You also have to play well on defense. The team helped me on several plays to avoid a hit and for the game to continue without a hit or run. I think everything came together with the team; my teammates were up to the task, and finally, it was achieved. It’s a nice memory, to be able to get those kinds of games, it’s something that doesn’t happen every day,” he declared in 2015 to ESPN.
The ‘Toro’ added that he kept the ball at the end of the game, but he didn’t remember where he had it.
By the way that June 29, 1990, Valenzuela threw his only MLB no-hitter of his career.