The Los Angeles Dodgers unveiled plans to wear a Fernando Valenzuela patch on their uniform for the 2024 World Series and throughout the entire 2025 season.
Valenzuela passed away Tuesday at the age of 63. He is survived by his wife Linda and four children, Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda and Maria Fernanda; and seven grandchildren.
Just like with other jersey patches the Dodgers have worn in the past, they are paying tribute to Valenzuela in the form of a circular design with his first name and jersey number. “Fernando” is in white font and accompanied by “34” in blue, set atop a black circle with a blue outline.
In memory of our hero Fernando Valenzuela, the Dodgers will wear this uniform patch during the World Series and throughout the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/7HozGMf2Tr
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 24, 2024
“On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.”
The Dodgers last wore a Vin Scully jersey patch in 2022, and previously did so for Jim Gilliam (1978), Tim Crews (1993), Don Drysdale (1993), Roy Campanella (1993), Pee Wee Reese (1999), Duke Snider (2011), Don Newcombe (2019), Tommy Lasorda (2021) and Don Sutton (2021).
Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers out of Mexico and made his MLB debut in 1980. However, it was the 1981 season where he made a true impact and spawned the “Fernandomania” phenomenon.
That year saw Valenzuela earn All-Star Game honors en route to winning National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year, in addition to a Silver Slugger. Valenzuela’s remarkable rookie season was capped off by helping the Dodgers win the World Series against the New York Yankees.
Valenzuela is the only player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season.
Valenzuela spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers but finished his career by pitching for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals during the 1997 season.
On Aug. 11, 2023, the Dodgers officially retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 that kicked off a special three-day celebration at Dodger Stadium dubbed “Fernandomania” weekend.
Valenzuela became the 12th player to have his number retired by the Dodgers. He was also inducted into the Dodger Stadium Ring of Honor, becoming the 14th person to join the exclusive club. The group now sits at 15 with Walter O’Malley’s inclusion.
In 2019, Valenzuela was part of the inaugural class of “Legends of Dodger Baseball,” along with Don Newcombe and Steve Garvey.
Fernando Valenzuela celebration during World Series
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the league plans to celebrate Valenzuela during the World Series, which begins at Dodger Stadium on Friday.
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