HERMOSILLO, Mexico -- When former Dodgers scout Mike Brito came to this region in 1979, he was interested in a shortstop by the name of Ali Uscanga. On Brito's first day here, Uscanga faced a 17-year-old lefty with a flamboyant delivery and a devastating screwball, who threw him three straight balls and then came back with three straight strikes to blow him away.

His name: Fernando Valenzuela.

"I was mesmerized," Brito said. "At that point I stood behind home plate to follow Fernando, and I forgot all about the shortstop."

What followed was a legendary career for Valenzuela, from an unprecedented rookie season to six All-Star teams, Mexican Pacific League lore and standing as the most important baseball player to hail from Mexico.

On Sunday -- before Venezuela beat winless Puerto Rico and undefeated Dominican Republic edged Mexico in walk-off fashion -- Valenzuela was officially enshrined in the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame, even though his entrance had long been foregone.

"For me, to be inducted into the Caribbean Series Hall of Fame, it's a great honor," Valenzuela said. "I feel so happy."

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