Displayed is a 1985-86 Fernando Valenzuela Los Angeles Dodgers' road jersey with a MEARS final grade of "A10". Valenzuela, a left-hander from Mexico, broke into the Major leagues as a reliever with the Dodgers. In 1981, a strike shortened season, he achieved a feat never equaled - he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award and the NL Cy Young Award in the same season. Valenzuela had a high leg kick and rolled his eyes skyward at the top of his wind-up. Relying on a screwball and an assortment of other pitches, none of which averaged 90 MPH, Valenzuela had an incredible start to the '81 season: He went 8-0 in his first eight starts, with five shut-outs, seven complete games and a 0.50 ERA. His main catcher, Mike Scioscia, said, "Every pitch looked like a fastball out of his hand." Valenzuela's amazing pitching started a craze, called "Fernandomania", that long-time Dodger announcer Vin Scully said, "bordered on a religious experience." Latino attendance increased exponentially at Dodger home games, and fans of all ethnic groups became fascinated by Valenzuela and intrigued by his friendly, calm demeanor. Fernando finished the year at 13-7, with a 2.48 ERA, and the Dodgers became World Champions. Fernando finished in the NL Cy Young top 5 in 1981, '82, '85, and '86.

After 1986, his ability declined, most likely from overuse. After being released by the Dodgers just before the start of the 1991 season, Valenzuela wound up pitching for five other Major League teams, as well as playing in Mexico. He finished his Major League career with a 173-153 record, with a 3.54 ERA. He was a radio and television broadcaster with the Dodgers for many years. He passed away in 2024.

The offered gray jersey knit jersey is button down, with six clear buttons. In the collar is a WA Goodman & Sons manufacturer's tag showing size "44". Across the chest is "Dodgers", in double tackle twill, in blue sewn-on script with white trim. On the left chest is "34", in 4 7/8" red sewn-on numerals. Across the back is "VALENZUELA", in blue sewn-on letters (3.25") with white trim. Below the player's name is "34, in blue sewn-on numerals (7.75") with white trim. The jersey has a chest measurement of 23" and a torso measurement of 32". The jersey shows moderate use, with no team repairs. The jersey comes with a MEARS Letter of Opinion (Cert. Number 323128), with a MEARS Final Grade: "A10". Writer's Note: Not complete. Waiting for an LOA on the Valenzuela autograph on the jersey. ES 10/1/25