The Los Angeles City Council proclaimed August 11, 2023, as “Fernando Valenzuela Day” as part of the Dodgers’ weekend celebration to honor the legendary left-hander and retire his No. 34 jersey. Fans from across the city, including city staff and workers, gathered in the Council Chambers to witness the recognition of the beloved Mexican pitcher. The council approved a resolution to honor Valenzuela and scheduled the presentation to coincide with the start of “Fernandomania.”
Leading the presentation, Councilwoman Euinsses Hernandez expressed that this weekend, “Angelenos across the city will be celebrating Fernando and his incredible legacy.”
Wearing the signature blue suit of the Dodgers, Valenzuela joined the councilwoman at the podium and delivered a brief speech in both English and Spanish. He expressed his gratitude for the invitation and shared, “I don’t have many words to say. I played 11 years here and then continued to work but with another department. Thank you to the team for giving me the opportunity to be in this beautiful city.” Valenzuela kept his remarks short but highlighted his love for the Dodgers, the fans, and the city he calls home.
Councilwoman Hernandez provided more details about Valenzuela’s background, including his origins in Sonora, Mexico, where he learned the game of baseball. The Dodgers scouted him, and he joined the team in 1979. The following year, at the age of 20, Valenzuela made his major league debut as a relief pitcher, quickly becoming a household name. In 1981, he became the first player in Major League history to win both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season as a starting pitcher for the Dodgers.
Valenzuela also earned the distinction of being a six-time National League All-Star and pitched a no-hitter during his final season in 1990. Councilwoman Hernandez acknowledged how Valenzuela’s success made him a global sensation and an inspiration to communities in Los Angeles and Mexico.
She further added that Valenzuela’s presence transformed the way the Mexican community perceived baseball and expanded their love for the Dodgers. Hernandez recognized Valenzuela’s enduring legacy by stating, “You are loved and welcomed, and I’m so glad that they’re celebrating you and your legacy here right now.”
Councilwoman Imelda Padilla echoed Hernandez’s sentiments and thanked Valenzuela for bridging the gap between the Mexican community and the Mexican-American community, which later became the foundation of the Dodgers’ fan base.
The celebration continued as the Dodgers retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey later that night. Sen. Alex Padilla, retired Dodger broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, and Dodger President and CEO Stan Kasten joined Valenzuela in speaking at the ceremony, which was aired on SportsNet LA. A drone show commemorating Valenzuela’s career followed the game.
The tribute to Valenzuela’s career extended into the weekend. On Saturday, the first 40,000 ticketed fans received a bobblehead of Valenzuela, and on Sunday, the team distributed replicas of Valenzuela’s 1981 World Series ring.
Councilman John Lee expressed that retiring Valenzuela’s number was long overdue and thanked him for the incredible memories he provided to all Angelenos. The ceremony came to an end with Hernandez reminding Valenzuela, “You are loved.”
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