As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to open the World Series at Dodger Stadium, they do so with heavy hearts and reverence, honoring one of their most beloved figures. Fernando Valenzuela, whose mesmerizing performances on the mound captivated fans far beyond the borders of Southern California, has passed away at the age of 63. In a tribute fitting for his legacy, the Dodgers will don No. 34 patches on their uniforms, a symbol of both remembrance and gratitude for Valenzuela's impact on the team and the sport as a whole.
For those who witnessed it, Valenzuela’s breakout rookie season in 1981 was nothing short of spectacular. Tall and confident, the 20-year-old sensation from Mexico astounded Major League Baseball with his commanding presence and unyielding performances. Winning his first eight starts, completing seven of them, and delivering five shutouts, Valenzuela’s early days were akin to a masterclass in pitching. His efforts that year earned him both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, achievements that were indicative of the greatness he would continue to exhibit throughout his career.
Valenzuela's role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship victory over the New York Yankees in 1981 cemented his status as a sports icon. This wasn’t just a triumph for the team; it was a spectacle that captivated baseball fans worldwide. As Commissioner Rob Manfred aptly put it, "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation," a testament to his enduring influence on and off the field.
From 1980 to 1990, Valenzuela’s presence was a constant at Dodger Stadium. During this decade-long tenure with the Dodgers, he not only established himself as a top-tier pitcher but also as a cultural ambassador for a multitude of fans across the United States and Mexico. Valenzuela’s enigmatic rise to fame, colloquially referred to as "Fernandomania," transcended borders and introduced a generation of fans to the exhilarating world of baseball.
Following his departure from the pitching mound, Valenzuela transitioned to another realm of influence—broadcasting. For over two decades, he brought the games to life for Spanish-speaking audiences as a member of the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast booth. His stewardship in this role not only preserved his connection to the game but also strengthened his bond with a fan base perpetually eager to bask in his charisma and knowledge. Recently, however, Valenzuela had stepped back from broadcasting following health concerns, a prelude to last week's heartbreaking news of his passing.
In 2023, in a move that commemorated his valuable contributions to the team and sport, the Dodgers retired Valenzuela's No. 34. This gesture celebrated not just his on-field prowess, but also his broader impact on the sport's culture—a fitting honor for a man who had been an indelible part of the Dodgers' history and whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The Dodgers’ upcoming World Series participation at Dodger Stadium carries a duality of purpose: competition and commemoration. As Commissioner Manfred stated, "We will honor Fernando's memory during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Fernando's family, the Dodgers, his friends across the game, and all the loyal baseball fans of Mexico."
Valenzuela’s legacy endures not just in the patches the team will wear but in the hearts and minds of all those who witnessed his meteoric rise and lasting contributions to baseball. As the Dodgers fight for glory in the World Series, they carry with them the enduring spirit of Fernando Valenzuela—a legend, champion, and cherished icon who will never be forgotten.