Check out the 1991 Dodgers in the photo above. It was shared by
Dodgers photograph Jon SooHoo on his blog yesterday, and it features a travelling contingent of Dodger players in Mexico for an exhibition series during Spring Training. In light of recent news that the Dodgers and Padres would be playing a series of games in Monterrey, Mexico next season, this photo is very timely.
As you may recall, the Dodgers headed south in 1991 to play a couple of exhibition games against the local club, Industriales de Monterrey, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Notably, the game against the Brewers marks one of the last starts
Fernando Valenzuela threw in Dodgers Blue, and he was magnificent that day. He went five innings, allowed only two hits, gave up one run, and even drove in a run on a single. Best yet, 27,000 of his countrymen came out to cheer, scream and whistle their appreciation for the Mexican born pitcher. Per
Bill Plascke at the LA Times:
It was only an exhibition. But to those who understand Valenzuela's search for shreds of Fernandomania, it was much more.
"We knew Fernando's importance to his country before we came down here, but to see it, to feel, to hear it . . . it was an extraordinary moment," said Peter O'Malley, the Dodger owner who had a front row seat at Estadia Monterrey. "This is one of the most exciting experiences I've had since I've been with the ballclub."
A couple of weeks later, with the regular season looming, Fernando Valenzuela would be released by the Dodgers. Below are more links to check out: