This Week in Baseball History: November 11-17

November 11, 1981: Fernando Valenzuela Makes Cy Young History

Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers in wind up for pitch in their 1986 home opener (Wikimedia Commons)

Dodgers southpaw Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first rookie ever to win the Cy Young Award, edging the Reds’ Tom Seaver in a close 70-67 vote.

Known for his unique windup and exceptional skill, Valenzuela captured the country’s attention in what became known as “Fernandomania.”

Stats that defined his rookie year:

• Led the league in strikeouts with 180.

• Pitched eight complete games.

Valenzuela’s win set the stage for a Hall of Fame-caliber career and inspired a generation of fans, especially within the Latino community.

November 12, 1996: Pat Hentgen Narrowly Wins the Cy Young

Pat Hentgen warming up in the bullpen as pitching coach Galen Cisco watches during a game on August 17, 1993. (Wikimedia Commons)

Toronto’s Pat Hentgen narrowly beats Yankees ace Andy Pettitte for the AL Cy Young, scoring 110-104, the closest voting since 1972.

Hentgen’s 1996 season highlights:

• 20-10 record.

• Led the majors in complete games with 10.

Pettitte was a tough competitor with a 21-8 record, while Yankees closer Mariano Rivera finished third with a single first-place vote.

Hentgen’s endurance and control helped edge him past Pettitte, marking a career high point for the Blue Jays’ ace.

November 13, 1997: Larry Walker Becomes Canada’s First MVP

Colorado Rockies’ Larry Walker wins NL MVP, becoming the first Canadian-born player to earn the honor.

Walker’s standout stats for the 1997 season:

• .366 batting average.

• 49 home runs.

• 130 RBIs.

This historic win came during an incredible week for Canadian baseball, with Toronto’s Roger Clemens and Montreal’s Pedro Martinez each winning Cy Young awards earlier.

Walker’s combination of power and defense made him a fan favorite and a trailblazer for Canadian athletes in MLB.

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November 14, 1985: Brewers Release All-Time Saves Leader Rollie Fingers

The Milwaukee Brewers release 39-year-old Rollie Fingers, the all-time saves leader at the time with 341 career saves.

Fingers’ legendary accomplishments included:

• Seven All-Star nods.

• World Series MVP with the A’s in 1974.

• A Cy Young and MVP Award winner in 1981.

Known for his signature handlebar mustache and dominant presence on the mound, Fingers changed the way relievers were viewed in baseball.

His release marked the end of an era, but his impact on the game—and that mustache—remains unforgettable.

November 15, 1967: Carl Yastrzemski Caps and Amazing Triple Crown MVP Season

Carl Yastrzemski at bat for the Boston Red Sox during a game against the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1979. (Wikimedia Commons)

Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox was named AL MVP following his Triple Crown season.

Yaz’s 1967 stats:

• 326 batting average.

• 44 home runs.

• 121 RBIs.

This season became a defining chapter for the Red Sox, lifting them to the pennant and earning Yaz the MVP in a landslide vote.

Yastrzemski’s Triple Crown remained unmatched until Miguel Cabrera achieved the feat in 2012.

November 16, 1964:  Mets Legend Dwight Gooden is Born

A young Dwight Gooden at the New York Mets Spring Training St. Petersburg, Florida in February, 1986 (Wikimedia Commons)

Dwight Gooden, known for his pitching AND hitting dominance, was born on this date.

Gooden’s dual accomplishments:

• 1984 Rookie of the Year Award.

• 1985 Cy Young Award.

• No-hitter with the Yankees in 1996.

• 7 career home runs and a Silver Slugger Award in 1992.

Despite being a natural lefty, Gooden batted right-handed to protect his pitching arm, but still showed prowess at the plate, making him a true all-around threat.

November 17, 1991: Smead Jolley Passes Away

Smead Jolley, outfielder with the Chicago White Sox, prior to a game, circa 1931. (Wikimedia Commons)

Smead Jolley, known as one of the game’s unique personalities and underrated hitters, passed away at age 89.

Notable for his outstanding hitting and defensive struggles, Jolley posted a .305 career batting average in his short MLB career with the White Sox and Red Sox.

Known for some unforgettable defensive mishaps, Jolley’s quirky, memorable style made him a cult favorite among fans and a reminder of baseball’s colorful history.

We did an episode on how his career in the Pacific Coast League and hitting talent should be the real story of his career.

You should check out the episode - here’s a link.

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