The Los Angeles Dodgers will retire the No. 34 jersey worn by former player Fernando Valenzuela, a beloved figure in the team’s history. This decision breaks with tradition as Valenzuela is not a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, unlike previous players whose jerseys were retired by the Dodgers. The retirement ceremony will take place before Friday’s game against the Colorado Rockies and will feature speeches from Senator Alex Padilla, retired Dodger broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, and Dodger president and CEO Stan Kasten. The ceremony will be televised by SportsNet LA.
Dodger president and CEO Stan Kasten announced Valenzuela’s jersey retirement during the team’s annual FanFest on February 4. Kasten acknowledged the overwhelming support from fans who have long advocated for Valenzuela’s jersey to be retired. Valenzuela’s impact on and off the field, both as a player and as a community figure, made him an exceptional candidate for this honor.
No player has worn the No. 34 jersey for the Dodgers since Valenzuela’s release in 1991. The decision to retire his jersey has been under consideration for several years, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed its implementation due to logistical challenges.
Valenzuela’s career with the Dodgers was marked by numerous achievements, including his electrifying debut as a rookie in 1981, where he won both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Awards. He was known for his devastating screwball and played a significant role in igniting “Fernandomania.” Throughout his career, Valenzuela made six All-Star appearances, led the league in strikeouts and victories, and earned Silver Slugger Awards for his hitting prowess as a pitcher. He left a lasting impact on fans and is considered one of the greatest legends in Dodger history.
In addition to the jersey retirement ceremony, Valenzuela will be honored at Los Angeles City Hall, where the City Council will declare the day as Fernando Valenzuela Day in Los Angeles. The celebration will also continue with a drone show after the game and special giveaways for the fans, including bobbleheads and replicas of Valenzuela’s 1981 World Series ring.
Valenzuela’s contributions to the sport have not gone unnoticed, as he has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame and the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame. The Mexican League has also retired his No. 34 jersey.
Jaime Jarrín, the retired Dodger broadcaster, praised Valenzuela for his impact on the game and the Mexican community, stating, “He created more baseball fans, and Dodger fans, than any other player.”
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