The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a franchise icon in Fernando Valenzuela as they were preparing for a highly-anticipated World Series matchup with the New York Yankees.
The legendary pitcher passed away at the age of 63 less than a month after stepping away from the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast team to focus on his health.
The Dodgers honored Valenzuela by wearing a “Fernando 34” patch on their jersey during the World Series and will continue to do so through the 2025 season as well.
The Dodgers’ World Series parade on Friday coincides with what would have been Valenzuela’s 64th birthday.
“It’s going to be emotional,” manager Dave Roberts said. “Fernando was a friend of mine. I know he’s smiling right now and very proud of this organization. He’s going to be missed. I’m sure it’s something that he would want to have been a part of, but it’s going to be emotional for all of us.”
Valenzuela is one of the most impactful players in Dodgers franchise history as he captivated the Mexican and Latino communities, as well as the entire city of Los Angeles during his time as a pitcher.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Freddie Freeman answered when asked what winning the World Series for Valenzuela means.
“My stepmom is from Los Angeles, she grew up watching Fernando. What Fernando means to the city of Los Angeles, and not just Los Angeles, to baseball fans around the world, I would assume.
“He brought Fernandomania, and it was electric. I obviously wasn’t alive during that, but to see what he meant to so many people, being around him the last three years, I wish he was here.
“I’m glad he’s up there, probably with my mom and jumping up and down right now. I’m glad we were able to bring it home. Kind of a little bittersweet, but I’m glad we were able to do it for Fernando and his family.”
Fernando Valenzuela’s Dodgers career
Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers out of Mexico and made his MLB debut in 1980. However, it was the following season where he made a true impact and spawned the “Fernandomania” phenomenon.
The 1981 season saw Valenzuela earn All-Star Game honors en route to winning the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Awards, in addition to a Silver Slugger. Valenzuela’s remarkable rookie season was capped off by helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
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.
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