Fernando Valenzuela ends his holdout and reports to the Dodgers spring training camp in Vero Beach, Florida
On March 24, 1982 — Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela ends his holdout and reports to the Dodgers spring training camp in Vero Beach, Florida. In 1981, Valenzuela captured the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards after winning 13 games with a 2.48 ERA and 180 strikeouts during the strike-shortened season. After earning just $42,500 in his rookie season, Valenzuela had asked for a raise to $1 million this year. The Dodgers unilaterally renewed his contract for a reported $350,000 instead.
Asked if he thought his holdout might hurt him in the fans’ eyes, Valenzuela replied through an interpreter: “Its hard to tell if my image will be tarnished. The people will have to tell you that, and they will know if I was right in defending my right*. I do not regret anything. I am not here under protest. I am here to join my teammates.”
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