The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a franchise icon this past October when Fernando Valenzuela passed away at the age of 63.
The Dodgers honored Valenzuela before Game 1 of the 2024 World Series with a tribute video and special mariachi performance. The team also began — and will continue — wearing a “Fernando 34” patch on their jersey.
Famed artist Jonas Never painted a mural of Valenzuela in Elysian Valley that went up shortly after his death. The left-hander was also featured on another painting with Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Kirk Gibson.
Valenzuela is the greatest pitcher to come out of Mexico and now has been honored in his home country. A new mural of “El Toro” has gone up in Mexicali, Mexico.
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.
On Aug. 11, 2023, the Dodgers retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 that kicked off a special three-day celebration at Dodger Stadium dubbed “Fernandomania” weekend.
Where to find Fernando Valenzuela mural in Mexico
The new Valenzuela mural can be found on the wall of La Selva en Relajo sports bar. The address is Calz. Cuauhtémoc 343, Aviación, 21200 Mexicali, B.C., Mexico.
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