Diablos Sign Fernando Valenzuela Jr.
August 1, 2012 - American Association (AA)
El Paso Diablos News Release
EL PASO, TX - The El Paso Diablos are excited to announce the signing of slugger Fernando Valenzuela Jr., the son of famous Dodger, Fernando Valenzuela. The in-fielder, 29, joins El Paso after 9 successful years of professional ball.
Valenzuela Jr. played collegiately at UNLV, before being drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 10th round (281st overall) of the 2003 draft. In 2003, Valezuela Jr. played 73 games for the Padres low-A team in Eugene, followed by playing for the Fort Wayne Wizards; leading the team in hits (148) while hitting .295 in 2004. In 2005, he was promoted to Lake Elsinore (A+). In 2006, Valenzuela Jr. was picked up by the Chicago White Sox and played for the Single-A Kinnapolis Intimidators.
In 2011, Valenzuela Jr. hit .359 in 98 games with 387 at-bats and 125 hits, including 24 doubles, eight home runs, scored 40 runs, and drove in 61 RBIs and was named a Mid-Season All-Star for the Mexican League. Before being picked up by the Diablos, Valenzuela Jr. has spent 2012 appearing in 107 games, with 380 at-bats, 119 hits, 30 doubles, nine home runs, scored 37 runs, driven in 65 RBIs and hitting .314/.371/.464 for Yucatan.
Diablos Managing Partner and President, Matt LaBranche, is positive Valenzuela Jr. will make a difference in the Diablos roster. "The acquisition of Valenzuela Jr, will only help us as we make a final push to the American Association playoffs. He's a great hitter who has put up great numbers in Yucatan of the Mexican League, and will be an exciting player to watch this last month."
The Diablos are in town for two more days (Aug 1 - Aug 2). Don't miss the opportunity to see El Paso's team finish their series against South Division leaders, the Grand Prairie AirHogs. For promotions and game info, call 915-755-2000 or visit diablos.com. For anyone who wants to follow the team on the road, tune into Fox Sports Radio 1380 AM or log on to diablos.com for home games.
Discounted Season Ticket, Weekend Ticket, and Flex Pack Ticket Specials are on sale now for the 2012 season. For more information on these or on our upcoming season, please visit diablos.com or call (915)755-2000.
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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