When the Los Angeles Dodgers take the field for the World Series opener at Dodger Stadium, their uniforms will bear a special tribute. The No. 34 patch will honor Fernando Valenzuela, one of baseball's most revered figures, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 63. His absence is felt deeply in the Dodgers community and among fans worldwide, especially in Mexico, where he remains a cherished icon.
Fernando Valenzuela's journey from a 20-year-old rookie in 1981 to becoming a household name in Major League Baseball is the stuff of legends. That year, he burst onto the scene with a performance that captivated baseball fans. Winning his first eight starts, completing seven of them, and pitching five shutouts, Valenzuela's impact was immediate and undeniable. His phenomenal play earned him both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award that same year, a feat that set the stage for an illustrious career. His contributions were instrumental in leading the Dodgers to a World Series victory against the New York Yankees, etching his name in the annals of baseball history.
Valenzuela's 11-year stint with the Dodgers from 1980 to 1990 marked an era of excellence and inspiration for countless fans. Beyond his impressive on-field achievements, Valenzuela's charisma and humility resonated widely, immortalizing him not just as a player, but as an ambassador for the sport. His influence transcended the game, inspiring a generation of players and fans, especially those from his native Mexico.
After retiring as a player, Valenzuela seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting. For over two decades, he remained connected to the Dodgers and their fans through the Spanish-language broadcast booth, continuing to endear himself to baseball enthusiasts who cherished his expert analysis and passion for the game. His decision to step back from broadcasting due to health issues marked the end of another chapter of his career, but Valenzuela's legacy in the booth was just as impactful as his legacy on the mound.
In 2023, the Dodgers fittingly retired Valenzuela's No. 34, cementing his legacy in the team’s storied history. As the baseball world mourns his passing, Commissioner Rob Manfred captured the sentiments of many: "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation." Acknowledging the depth of Valenzuela's influence and the void his absence creates, Manfred added, "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."
The upcoming World Series will serve as a poignant reminder of Valenzuela's contributions not just to the Dodgers, but to the larger narrative of baseball. His career was a testament to talent intertwining with perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Fernando Valenzuela’s story is that of a young man embracing the global stage with grace, and forever changing the landscape of baseball with a dash of charisma and a singular talent for the game.
As the Dodgers don the No. 34 patch, they do so with a profound sense of gratitude, honoring a legend whose legacy will forever echo in Dodger Stadium and in the hearts of baseball fans everywhere. The reverence with which he is remembered speaks volumes about the man who, with every pitch, gave his all not just to a team, but to a sport that was, and remains, richer for having known him.