"Valenzuela became the first pitcher to win both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season, and he also earned a Silver Slugger. Valenzuela still stands as the only pitcher since 1945 to win his first eight Major League starts. The Dodgers celebrated Valenzuela and the 40th anniversary of "Fernandomania" with a pregame ceremony during their first homestand of the 2021 season, and he is also featured in the renovated center plaza area with a mural and display commemorating both his impressive rookie season and overall career."
Fernando Valenzuela started the 1981 season with an undefeated 8-0 record and an eighth consecutive complete game for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His May 14 start against the Montreal Expos drew the largest crowd at Dodger Stadium in seven years. Pedro Guerrero’s ninth-inning walk-off home run secured a 3-2 win after Valenzuela allowed two solo homers and three hits. Valenzuela struck out seven batters, tied for the second-fewest among his first eight dominant starts, including five shutouts. He finished the season 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA, eight shutouts, and 11 complete games in 24 starts, becoming the first pitcher to win Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in the same season and earning a Silver Slugger.
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