The Los Angeles Dodgers lost a franchise icon last week as Fernando Valenzuela passed away at the age of 63.
Valenzuela is one of the most impactful players in Dodgers franchise history as he captivated the Mexican and Latino communities during his time as a pitcher.
After his playing career ended, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as a Spanish-language broadcaster, which was a role he had filled since the 2003 season.
The team retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 during a ceremony at Dodger Stadium last year and also honored him before Game 1 of the World Series.
The Dodgers first played a tribute that was written and narrated by Tom Verducci. The video also aired during the Fox pregame show.
After that, there was a special mariachi performance featuring Deyra Barrera and Julian Torres in the left field pavilion as highlights of Valenzuela’s career played on the DodgerVision video boards.
Famed artist Jonas Never also painted a mural of Valenzuela in Elysian Valley.
A moment of silence was held for Valenzuela before Game 1 of the World Series, with several of his family members in attendance. Orel Hershiser and Steve Yeager, two of Valenzuela’s former teammates, placed baseballs on the mound in his honor as part of the first pitch ceremony.
The Dodgers are wearing a “Fernando 34” patch on their jersey for the World Series and will continue doing so throughout the 2025 season.
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).
Dodgers statement on Fernando Valenzuela
The Dodgers released a statement from team president and CEO Stan Kasten after the passing of Valenzuela.
“On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando,” Kasten said. “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.”
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