Dodgers lefty Fernando Valenzuela throws the only no-hitter of his career against the Redbirds

---

On June 28, 1990, Dodgers starter Fernando Valenzuela throws a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0, by retiring former teammate Pedro Guerrero, who grounded into a game-ending double play. The game is famously remembered for Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully’s call, “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”

Valenzuela was masterful from the opening pitch, mixing his signature screwball with pinpoint command to keep St. Louis hitters off balance throughout the afternoon. He struck out seven batters, walked three, and needed just 119 pitches to complete the masterpiece, improving his record to 8-6 on the season.

It was the first no-hitter by a Dodgers pitcher since Jerry Reuss in 1980 and served as a reminder that “Fernandomania” still had life left in it. More than three decades later, the performance remains one of the defining moments of Valenzuela’s remarkable career, forever linked with Scully’s unforgettable call that perfectly captured the joy of the historic achievement.

Ironically, on the same day, Dave Stewart of the Oakland Athletics also threw a no-hitter earlier in the day, shutting down the Toronto Blue Jays, 5-0. It was the first time in MLB history that two no-hitters were thrown on the same day

The Mexican-born Valenzuela, who inspired “Fernandomania” while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Fernando Valenzuela passed away on October 22, 2024. He was 63 years old at the time of his passing..

---

---