How it started…
On April 9th, 1981, a rookie pitcher, who had only pitched in ten games the previous year, came in on Opening Day at the last minute to replace left-handed starter Jerry Reuss.
Reuss was scheduled to kick off the season but was a late scratch due to a leg injury. The then 20-year-old pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela not only pitched a complete game, but he also shut out the Astros.
This effectively kick-started what has been dubbed “Fernandomania” across the baseball world. Valenzuela would go on to astound crowds and change the culture around the sport. By the end of the season, he had amassed a slew of awards, including being a 1981 World Series winner, Rookie of the Year, and the Cy Young winner.
How it ended…
On August 11th, 2023, in front of a stadium crowd of 49,315, former pitcher turned Dodgers Spanish-language color commentator for SportsNetLA Fernando Valenzuela had his jersey number “34” retired and a new plaque unveiled in the Ring of Honor at Dodger Stadium.
Valenzuela was honored in a pre-game ceremony led by radio broadcaster Charley Steiner. On stage were U.S. Senator for California Alex Padilla, Dodgers President and part owner Stan Kasten, current Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias, former Dodgers battery mate Mike Scioscia, Hall of Fame Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax, LA’s Spanish language commentator Pepe Yniguez, and recently retired Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin, who also used to interpret for Valenzuela when he first came up to Major League Baseball.
As if the day were not already special enough in the hearts of those in Blue Heaven on Earth, in a separate ceremony at City Hall, the Los Angeles City Council declared henceforth, August 11th would be Fernando Valenzuela Day.
Thanks to Fernandomania forty-two years ago, “Fernando” became one of those household names like “Vin Scully” or “Jaime Jarrín” that had a huge impact on the Los Angeles fanbase. Many have been hoping he would be honored even though he has not made it into the Hall of Fame. The Dodgers organization decided to “bend” their rule this year and recognize him in their Ring of Honor. This ensured that no other Dodger player would ever wear the number “34” again.
In the famous words of Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully after Valenzuela pitched a no-hitter: “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky.” So here is yet another feather in his hat.
The Dodger faithful can rest easy tonight knowing that Fernando Valenzuela has been immortalized even further in Dodger history and that his number will stand guard over the stadium.
Congratulations, Fernando! You are so deserving of this honor!