Following the strike-shortened season, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the third consecutive Dodgers player to be named National League Rookie of the Year

Following the strike-shortened season, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the third consecutive Dodgers player to be named National League Rookie of the Year

ByThis Day in Baseball

1981 – Following the strike-shortened season, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the third consecutive Dodgers player to be named National League Rookie of the Year. The Mexican lefthander posted a 13-7 record with a 2.48 ERA and led the NL in strikeouts (180), games started (25), complete games (11), shutouts (8) and innings pitched (192 1/3). His 13 wins tied him with Steve Carlton in second place behind Tom Seaver, who finished with 14. Valenzuela also made his first All-Star Game appearance and received the Cy Young and TSN Rookie of the Year awards.

Danny Ainge released

Danny Ainge released

ByThis Day in Baseball

November 27, 1981 The Blue Jays release infielder Danny Ainge. The would be two sport star focuses on Basketball and becomes a world champion, an all star and famously bit a tree. [jetpack_subscription_form title=”Join the Community” subscribe_text=”We bring you cool stories about the game, players, ballparks and the people that shaped the game!”  subscribe_button=”Join us!”…

Brewer hurler Rollie Fingers becomes the first relief pitcher ever to win the American League MVP Award

Brewer hurler Rollie Fingers becomes the first relief pitcher ever to win the American League MVP Award

ByThis Day in Baseball

Brewer hurler Rollie Fingers becomes the first relief pitcher ever to win the American League MVP Award. The 34 year-old right-hander, who also wins the Cy Young award, narrowly beats former A’s teammate Rickey Henderson by 11 points.

Dick Williams replaces Frank Howard as manager of the last-place Padres. The future Hall of Fame skipper, who has won three pennants and two World Series in the last 14 years as a major league pilot, will lead San Diego to a National League pennant in 1984.

ByBaseball

Dick Williams replaces Frank Howard as manager of the last-place Padres. The future Hall of Fame skipper, who has won three pennants and two World Series in the last 14 years as a major league pilot, will lead San Diego to a National League pennant in 1984.

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins his second consecutive National League MVP Award

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins his second consecutive National League MVP Award

ByThis Day in Baseball

Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt wins his second consecutive National League MVP Award, joining Ernie Banks and Joe Morgan as the only NL players to take the award back-to-back. In the strike-shortened season, Schmidt hit .316 and led the league in home runs (31), RBI (91), runs (78), walks (73), on-base percentage (.435) and slugging percentage (.644).

Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela (13-7, 2.48) becomes the first rookie ever to win the Cy Young Award. The 20 year-old southpaw, also selected as the NL’s Rookie of the Year, edges Reds’ right-hander Tom Seaver (14-2, 2.54) in the BBWAA voting for the strike-shortened season, 70-67.

ByTom

Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela (13-7, 2.48) becomes the first rookie ever to win the Cy Young Award. The 20 year-old southpaw, also selected as the NL’s Rookie of the Year, edges Reds’ right-hander Tom Seaver (14-2, 2.54) in the BBWAA voting for the strike-shortened season, 70-67.

1981 – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first rookie ever to win a Cy Young Award, edging Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati Reds by a 70-67 margin for National League honors. Valenzuela was the first rookie since Herb Score in 1955 to lead his league in strikeouts with 180.

ByBaseball

1981 – Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first rookie ever to win a Cy Young Award, edging Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati Reds by a 70-67 margin for National League honors. Valenzuela was the first rookie since Herb Score in 1955 to lead his league in strikeouts with 180.