Fernando Valenzuela Makes History: The 1981 Cy Young & Rookie of the Year

Описание: On November 11th, 1981, a 20-year-old rookie with an unhittable screwball and a calm, unshakable presence changed baseball forever. That night, Fernando Valenzuela became the first player in MLB history to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season — the unforgettable peak of Fernandomania.


In this episode of Sports History Daily, we trace the full arc of Fernando’s remarkable story:
• his unlikely rise from rural Sonora
• the Dodgers’ gamble that paid off
• the electric 1981 season that captivated two countries
• the cultural movement he sparked in Los Angeles
• his lasting legacy as a six-time All-Star, no-hitter author, and beloved broadcaster
• and the heartfelt tributes following his passing in 2024


From complete games and sold-out stadiums to mariachi music echoing across Dodger Stadium, Fernando didn’t just win baseball games — he united a city, elevated a community, and became a symbol of pride for millions.


Relive the night he rewrote the record books, the phenomenon that swept through baseball, and the impact that still resonates decades later — on today’s episode of Sports History Daily.