Fernandomania!

Last Friday, America SCORES LA high school alumni got the chance to go to a Dodgers game to watch the boys in blue take on the Washington Nationals. Before the game, the kids got to go onto the field to watch batting practice and meet baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela as part of the Amigos de Fernando program.

Meeting at the field at 5:00, the kids all got Fernando Valenzuela t-shirts and then filed onto the field to watch players from both the Dodgers and Nationals warm up at batting practice. During that time, Fernando Valenzuela came over and talked to the kids. They asked tons of questions ranging from "Who was the toughest competition you faced?" (Tony Gwynn and Keith Hernandez) to "What's your favorite Mexican League soccer team?" (Cruz Azul). He talked about being a professional athlete, advising them to "take it one game at a time, and don't be too hard on yourself if you mess up." After the Q&A, Valenzuela signed autographs for everyone and then the kids left to find their seats to watch the game.

The Nationals got an early lead of 6-0 in the 2nd inning. Although the Dodgers were able to make up some runs in the 4th inning with a two-run homer by Andre Ethier and an RBI to left from Casey Blake, they were ultimately defeated 6-3.

Fernando Valenzuela pitched for the Dodgers from 1980-1990. Born in Navojoa, Mexico, Valenzuela became an icon for the Los Angeles Latino community and drew large crowds to the field whenever he pitched. In 1981, Valenzuela became the only player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, and the Cy Young award in the same year. He is also known for his unique windup: throwing his head back and looking straight up before pitching. At the end of his 17 year Major League career, he had an ERA of 3.54 and 2,074 strikeouts.
(Source: Wikipedia)

America SCORES LA would like to thank Fernando Valenzuela, Ron Sittler, and Noel Pallais for such a great opportunity!