Union University Athletics

Steve Valadez was a pitcher and outfielder at Union. As a senior, he was 9-0 with a 0.56 ERA. Valadez struck out 66 hitters in 64.1 innings and allowed just four walks in 1972. Valadez tied the Union record at the time with nine wins in a season. In 1970, he was named Most Valuable Player at Union and earned All-American honors in 1973.
 
Valadez shared the record at the time with 30 wins in a career at Union. He finished 30-12 during his career at Union. While not pitching, he played the outfield and hit over .300 with 19 homeruns during his career. During his career, Valadez was ranked nationally in numerous pitching categories throughout the season.
 
One of the many highlights of Valadez’s collegiate career was when he pitched against the Baltimore Orioles in 1971 at Miami Stadium, losing 1-0. The game was broadcast live on the radio back to Jackson, Tenn.
 
Valadez signed to play professional baseball with the Kansas City Royals organization after his time at Union. He helped his Kingsport (Tenn.) team win the Rookie League Championship in the minors. In 1975, Valadez led his Mexican League team to the title.
 
Prior to his college playing days at Union, Valadez was named to the All-Chicago team in 1965 in high school. He was also named All-Eighth Army Team in Korea in 1968.