On this day 30 years ago, the seed of Fernandomania was planted

The Dodgers announced they will have a pregame ceremony on Sunday -- the day Mexico celebrates its bicentennial of independence -- to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Fernando Valenzuela's major-league debut, which actually took place today, on Sept. 15, 1980.

Juan Marcus Gutierrez Gonzalez, the Consul General of Mexico, will represent the Mexican government and participate in the ceremony. Valenzuela will also appear at La Gran Fiesta - Viva Los Dodgers festival at 10 a.m. before the Dodgers-Rockies game.

On this day 30 years ago, the 19-year-old from Sonora, Mexico pitched against the Atlanta Braves at Fulton County Stadium. He came on for the sixth and seventh innings (box score linked here) during a 9-0 loss, giving up two unearned runs and facing nine batters -- and committing a balk. Mike Scioscia was his catcher.

Valenzuela ended up with a 2-0 record in 10 games in the '80 season without allowing an earned run over 17 2/3 innings, striking out 16. His brief September call-up allowed him to pitch the 1981 season as a rookie, where he would win both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award.