As part of the Dodgers’ weekend celebration to honor legendary lefty Fernando Valenzuela and retire his No. 34, the Los Angeles City Council proclaimed Friday, August 11, 2023, as “Fernando Valenzuela Day.”
Dodger fans from across the city, including city staff and workers, packed the Council Chambers to see the beloved Mexican pitcher and participate in his recognition.
The council recently passed a resolution to recognize Valenzuela, 62, and waited until Friday to make a presentation to coincide with the start of “Fernandomania.”
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Councilwoman Euinsses Hernández led the presentation, saying this weekend that “Angelenos across the city will celebrate Fernando and his incredible legacy.”
Valenzuela, who was wearing a blue suit, the characteristic color of the Dodgers, went up to the podium with the councilwoman and shared a few words first in English and then in Spanish.
Thank you for this invitation. I don’t have many words to say. I played here for 11 years and then I continued working but in another department,” said Valenzuela. “Thanks to the team for giving me the opportunity to be in this beautiful city.”
He kept his comments short but emphasized his love for the Dodgers, the fans and the city he calls home.
A career that began in Sonora (Mexico)
Hernández shared more of his story, including how he came from Sonora, Mexico, where he learned baseball.
The Dodgers signed Valenzuela and he joined the team in 1979. He made his major league debut the following year as a relief pitcher and quickly became a household name.
In 1981, as a starting pitcher for the Dodgers, Valenzuela became the only player in major league history to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season as a 20-year-old.
He also became a six-time National League All-Star. During his last season, in 1990, he threw a no-hitter.
“Throughout his career, Fernando became a global sensation and an inspiration to communities from Los Angeles to Mexico,” Hernández said.
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The councilwoman noted that people liked the Dodgers, but when Valenzuela joined the team, people began to “really love the Dodgers.”
“The Mexican community got to know baseball in a different way, in a different capacity, because they saw themselves reflected in you,” Hernández said. “I know right now when the Dodgers games are happening, and there’s endless traffic and I see that most of the fans are Latino there, it’s because of you. You establish his legacy.”
“You are wanted and welcomed, and I am so glad they are celebrating you and your legacy here now,” she added.
Councilwoman Imelda Padilla echoed Hernández’s sentiments and thanked Valenzuela for “building that bridge between the Mexican community and the Mexican-American community that was going to come out and be the fan base of what it is today.”
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Retirement of Number 34
Later on Friday night, Dodgers to retire No. 34 worn by Valenzuela.
Senator Alex Padilla, retired Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Jarrín and Dodgers Chairman and CEO Stan Kasten will join Valenzuela to speak at the 6:20 p.m. ceremony to be televised on SportsNet LA before Friday’s game. , at 7:10 pm, against the Colorado Rockies.
A drone show celebrating Valenzuela’s career will follow Friday’s game.
The celebration of Valenzuela’s run will continue on Saturday when the first 40,000 ticketed fans will receive a doll of Valenzuela’s run and on Sunday when the team will hand out replicas of Valenzuela’s 1981 World Series ring.
Councilman John Lee said the removal of Valenzuela’s number is “long overdue.”
“You’re someone who carried those teams for us,” Lee said. “I just want to thank you for those incredible memories, for all Angelenos. But not only that, for everything you’ve done since then.”
