The Los Angeles Dodgers, people of Southern California and Mexico, and the entire baseball world suffered a great loss with the passing of the legendary Fernando Valenzuela last October.
Valenzuela’s impact on the growth of baseball throughout the greater L.A. area and Mexico is immeasurable thanks to the phenomenon that was “Fernandomania” during the 1981 season. The celebration of his life began during the World Series as the Dodgers honored Valenzuela with a tribute video and special mariachi performance.
The celebration continued even as the 2024 season came to a close, with a number of murals throughout L.A. and Mexico as both communities mourned the loss of their hero.
With the 2025 Caribbean Series being held at El Nido de los Aguilas in Mexicali, Mexico, Valenzuela was honored with a drone show during the opening ceremony as the 67th edition of the international tournament kicked off, via Enrique Rojas of ESPN:
Fernando Valenzuela lanzando, hecho por drones en el cielo de Mexicali durante ceremonia de Serie Caribe. 😍👏 3️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/8ETe275yuD
— Enrique Rojas/ESPN (@Enrique_Rojas1) February 1, 2025
Over 11 seasons with the Dodgers, Valenzuela had a record of 141-116 with a 3.31 ERA, 1,759 strikeouts in 331 appearances. He was a six-time All-Star, a two-time Silver Slugger, and pitched one no-hitter in his career. Valenzuela also was the National League Rookie of the Year, NL Cy Young and won a World Series championship during his iconic 1981 season.
Valenzuela rejoined the organization in 2003 as a member of the Dodgers’ broadcast team on the Spanish radio and television simulcast.
Fernando Valenzuela murals in L.A. and Mexico
A mural of Valenzuela painted by artist Jonas Never can be found in Elysian Valley, which also features Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani and fellow Dodgers’ legend Kirk Gibson.
Another mural has appeared in Valenzuela’s home country of Mexico. Specifically in Mexicali, which is the same city in Mexican state of Baja California where the 2025 Caribbean Series is being held.
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