As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to open the World Series at Dodger Stadium, the team will don a poignant reminder of a legend who forever altered the landscape of baseball. A No. 34 patch, worn with pride on their uniforms, serves to honor Fernando Valenzuela, a player whose legacy transcends sport.
The baseball world was saddened by the recent passing of Valenzuela at the age of 63. A man who embodied the spirit of the game, Valenzuela had earlier stepped back from his role in the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast booth due to health issues. His transition from the field to the booth after an illustrious playing career allowed him to continue to influence the sport that he loved deeply. For over two decades, he was the voice that linked generations of fans to their beloved team.
Fernando Valenzuela, a 20-year-old phenom in 1981, captivated the Major League Baseball audience like no other rookie ever had. During what became known as "Fernandomania," he unleashed a performance that was as unexpected as it was dazzling. Winning his first eight starts and recording five shutouts in his initial campaign, Valenzuela stamped his authority on the game with perseverance and flair. That remarkable season saw him earn both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, a testament to his prodigious talent and undeniable impact on the game during that era.
The Dodgers owe much of their success in 1981 to Valenzuela’s remarkable contributions. His efforts helped secure a World Series championship victory over the New York Yankees, cementing his place in baseball lore. Valenzuela’s tenure with the Dodgers spanned a decade from 1980 to 1990, during which he skilled pitchers and inspired fans, becoming an integral part of the franchise's narrative.
In an era that witnessed many greats of the game, Commissioner Rob Manfred articulated Valenzuela’s exceptional influence by describing him as "one of the most impactful players of his generation." Such reminders of his triumphs on the field only enrich the memory for those who had the privilege to witness his performances firsthand. The heartfelt sentiments extend beyond the confines of the stadium, reaching baseball enthusiasts across the globe, reverberating especially within the hearts of loyal fans in his native Mexico.
In recognition of his contributions both on and off the field, the Dodgers retired Valenzuela's No. 34 in 2023. The honor serves as a permanent commemoration for his indelible contributions to the team and the sport as a whole. His retirement from playing was, by no means, the end of his involvement with baseball. His transition from player to esteemed broadcaster for the Dodgers allowed him to wield his passion for the game in a way that touched countless lives.
The Dodgers have announced plans to honor Valenzuela during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium. This gesture seeks to celebrate his enduring legacy and express gratitude for his monumental influence, both in the Dodgers’ storied history and within the broader realm of baseball. Commissioner Manfred expressed his condolences, remarking, "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."
As the team steps onto the field wearing the No. 34 patch, it serves not only as a tribute but also as an inspiration drawn deeply from a player who has enshrined his legacy among the greats. Fernando Valenzuela's contributions transcended mere statistics; he was a figure who inspired and uplifted, leaving an indelible mark on all who encountered his brilliance on the mound or heard his voice resonating through the airwaves.