Fernando

[HercDriver]

I was a freshman in high school that year, and couldn't wait for Fernando to come to Wrigley. My dad was a Brooklyn Dodger fan, mostly for Duke Snider, so we always went to Cubs/Dodger games. When I was remembering it this morning, driving home, I thought Fernando was undefeated when he showed up at Wrigley. We killed him that day, is what I mostly remember. When I went back and looked for the 1981 game log, he was 10-2 when he came to town, and my sorry Cubs beat him, 11-5. Mike Tyson was the hero, with a 3-run homer. But what a cool thing to see him pitch, and all the hype that went with it. Oddly enough, the Shota Imanaga frenzy this year at Wrigley totally reminded me of Fernandomania. Great stuff...sad to see him and Tiant leave us. Two of the best, and most entertaining pitchers I ever saw.

[icollectDCsports]

Such an exciting player who was great for the game. RIP

[rlevy]

Great ballplayer, great gentleman. Always received a huge well deserved standing ovation at Dodger Stadium whenever they showed him on the large screen. RIP.

Rick

1981 Fernando.jpg

[calvindog]

Rick, love your Koufax website!

[rlevy]

Originally Posted by calvindog

Rick, love your Koufax website!

Thanks Jeffrey, I've been collecting Koufax memorabilia for 35 years, and it has become almost impossible to add to the collection in recent years. Cards yes, vintage memorabilia, no.

Regarding Fernando, I'm going to the first game tomorrow night, and it's going to be super emotional for everyone when the Dodgers have a tribute to him. Incredibly sad way to start such a highly anticipated world series. I wish Fernando would have lived long enough to be there, he certainly would have been throwing out the first pitch.

Rick

[DodgerMike22]

RIP Fernando

[Chris-Counts]

Fernando is my favorite Dodger ever. The buzz when he came up was off the charts. I saw him beat the Yankees during the World Series in 1981. I'm so glad his number was retired last year while he could still appreciate it.