Anonymous - 6-30-2004 at 01:06 AM
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
June 30, 2004
MEXICO CITY - Fernando Valenzuela, who sent American and Mexican baseball fans into "Fernandomania" 23 years ago and who turns 44 Nov. 1, is headed
back to the mound, this time for the border city team Mexicali in Mexico's Pacific League.
Valenzuela has agreed in principle to pitch for the Aguilas (Eagles) in the season that starts Oct. 12, team director Jesus Sommers said by telephone.
The league is rated the equivalent of Triple-A.
The Mexico City newspaper Reforma said Valenzuela confirmed the plan, saying he was "very happy and moved" at the chance.
"We haven't spoken with him if he is going to pitch in a rotation or is going to pitch just at home," Sommers said.
Asked if he thinks Valenzuela still has enough stuff to pitch in the league, Sommers said, "Personally, I think so, I think he can help. He was an
extraordinary pitcher . . . He should know how to pitch."
Valenzuela, who is expected to sign a formal deal next week, is a commentator on Spanish-language broadcasts of Dodgers games.
The Mexican-born lefthander last pitched in the majors with San Diego and St. Louis in 1997. He was Rookie of the Year with the Dodgers in 1981 and
had a 173-153 record in 17 years in the majors. Valenzuela continued to pitch for the Naranjeros of Hermosillo in the Pacific League until 2001.
Anonymous - 6-30-2004 at 01:08 AM
Dodgers broadcaster and former Cy Young winner Fernando Valenzuela, responding to an Associated Press story about his possible return to pitching with
the Mexicali team in Mexico's Pacific League, said nothing has been finalized. He stressed that he wouldn't leave the Dodgers' broadcasting booth
until their season was over.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001968652_nlbe...
Anonymous - 6-30-2004 at 01:09 AM
Legendary pitcher and current Spanish broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela was drafted by Mexicali in the Mexican League, but he indicated that the club
jumped the gun by saying he agreed to return to action.
The 44-year-old left-hander, who last pitched in the Major Leagues in 1997 and in the Mexican League in 2001, would not commit either way about his
plans, saying it was still four months away.
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news.jsp?ymd=2004...