Dodgers Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela was inducted as the final member of the inaugural class of “Legends of Dodger Baseball” before Friday night’s game against the Miami Marlins.

Valenzuela joined fellow former Dodgers Don Newcombe and Steve Garvey as the third inductee to the inaugural class.

The “Legends of Dodger Baseball” inductees are honored with a plaque in the stadium, recognizing their contributions to the Dodger organization.

The event was attended by Valenzuela’s wife, children and grandchildren, along with former Dodgers Catcher Mike Scioscia, longtime Dodgers Spanish Language Broadcaster Jamie Jarrin and the scout who originally found Valenzuela, Mike Brito.

“Everyone could see Fernando’s natural talent, what he could do with a baseball — what you couldn’t see was his heart,” said Scioscia at the event. “Fernando would go out on the mound fearless, make pitches on any count to any hitter with a confidence you just don’t see in many players.”

The left-handed pitcher from Sonora, Mexico originally signed with the Dodgers in 1979 at 18 years old.

Two years later, Valenzuela was named the opening day starter for the 1981 season opener and tossed a shutout, officially marking the beginning of the phenomenon which came to be known as “Fernandomania.”

Valenzuela went on to give up only two earned runs through 63 innings over his first seven starts, a remarkable 0.29 ERA; in that same span, he threw five shutouts and had six complete games.

The rookie pitcher’s remarkable debut season was ultimately capped with a World Series title, the Dodgers’ fifth, in which Valenzuela contributed a winning performance in game three.

“They’ve been asking me many times what is the best moment in my career,” said Valenzuela at the event. “And right away I say, ‘1981 World Series.’ I think that’s the best moment for me.”

Valenzuela was recognized for his individual excellence that year when he was named both the National League Rookie of the Year and National League Cy Young Winner, a feat that had yet to be accomplished and has yet to be repeated.

From 1981 to 1986, Valenzuela was a member of the MLB All-star Team.

He was also no slouch with a bat, as Valenzuela won two Silver Sluggers over the course of his tenure with the Dodgers.

Valenzuela has continued his Dodger legacy after his playing career as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the team for the last 16 seasons.

Valenzuela expressed his gratitude for all the support from fans over the years and to the Dodgers for the honor, and closed his induction with a call to action for the Dodgers.

“I think that 2019 is the year for the Dodgers,” Valenzuela said. “It’s time to bring the championship back to Los Angeles.”

KHTS Sports is your place for the Foothill League football season and your Santa Clarita Dodgers coverage. Find all the latest news and updates on your hometown schools here as they compete in the Foothill League, Heritage League, Western State Conference and GSAC. If you have any news and notes about our teams and players to share please send them to [email protected], like us on facebook.com/khtssports and follow us @KHTSSports on Twitter.