Valenzuela didn’t take it easy on friends, José Mota learned
The Dodgers pitcher faced the Angels broadcaster, then a minor leaguer with the Texas Rangers, during spring training in 1986. Before the game, Valenzuela playfully told José Mota he’d throw him exclusively fastballs. Then Mota stepped into the batter’s box.
Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein is senior director/video for features, sports and long-form videos. The UC Berkeley graduate has been an editor at Spin, Los Angeles Reader, Orange Coast and other publications. His work as a documentary writer and producer has appeared on VH1, ESPN, Food Network, Biography and TLC. His short story, “Fried Chicken,” was included in the anthology “Another City” (City Lights, 2001). He started his career on The Times’ prep sports desk.
