![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/plt/1981-Fernando-Valenzuela-1400x788-2305.jpg)
Fernando Valenzuela made me a believer in '81
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FuaMRaaaIAAcggH.jpg)
Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://i0.wp.com/www.retroseasons.com/retroimages/fernando-valenzuela-pitching-windup.jpg?ssl=1)
Fernando Valenzuela, Rookie of Year and Cy Young Award - RetroSeasons
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://thisdayinbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/fernando-valenzuela-los-angeles-dodgers-pitcher-fernando-valenzuela-hitting.jpg)
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Fernando Valenzuela pitches his third
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/0c1204cc282ea4080441de44174024b6?s=96&d=blank&r=g)
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Fernando Valenzuela pitches his third
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://ktla.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/02/AP23036011929941.jpg?w=1280)
Los Angeles Dodgers to retire Fernando Valenzuela's No. 34 jersey
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://vault.si.com/.image/t_share/MTY5MDk4MzYwNTQ4ODI4NDQ5/fernando-valenzuela-1981jpg.jpg)
WILL THE BUBBLE EVER BURST? - Sports Illustrated Vault
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FuaMS62aYAE5GPz.jpg)
Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://cst.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/2322ba3/2147483647/strip/false/crop/2159x2883+0+0/resize/1113x1486!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fthumbor%2Fs9uo6JMKwYM2o0G-8oXTN8qYtDo%3D%2F0x0%3A2159x2883%2F2159x2883%2Ffilters%3Afocal%281206x674%3A1207x675%29%2Fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2Fuploads%2Fchorus_asset%2Ffile%2F19946111%2FAP20125717913046.jpg)
MLB rebounded after strike-shortened 1981 season - Chicago Sun-Times
![Codify on X: The only MLB pitchers to strike out 38+ batters and allow <3 runs in their first 5 starts of a regular season: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 Shohei Ohtani, 2023 /](https://cdn.theathletic.com/app/uploads/2017/10/26122725/valenzuela2-e1509035289289.jpg)
The day Fernando Valenzuela threw 146 pitches in a complete-game