Dodgers five best hitting pitchers in team history

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 15: Zack Greinke #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an RBI single in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on May 15, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 15: Zack Greinke #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits an RBI single in the second inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on May 15, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
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4) Fernando Valenzuela

The instant sensation from Mexico who spurred Fernandomania in the early eighties proved he could do more than just strike opposing hitters out.

In 1981, his first full season in the majors, Fernando Valenzuela did something truly unique: he won the Rookie of the Year award, the Cy Young award, pitched in the World Series, and also won the Silver Slugger award as the league’s best hitting pitcher. He batted .250/.262/.281 that season, driving in seven runs from the plate.

Two years later, in 1983, he won the Silver Slugger award again. He picked up some power from his rookie season, connecting on his first major league home run. Valenzuela would hit five home runs between 1983-1985, the most of any pitcher during that time. His eight home runs as a Dodger pitcher are the third most in franchise history.

The left-hander had his best hitting season during his last season with the Boys in Blue in 1990. He was an amazing 21-69 at the plate that year. His slashline looked like a real major league hitter at .304/.310/.420. He hit one home run, five doubles, and drove in eleven runs.

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