More than 40 years after Fernando Valenzuela's 1981 rookie season, Fernandomania once again struck Chavez Ravine.
‘Fernando was the first Mexicano I witnessed having success in this country largely on his own terms.’
“As Mexicanos, he represented us,” added his friend Roberto Muñoz, a 66-year-old who grew up in Monterey Park but now resides in Claremont. “As Angelenos, he represented us. As big guys, he represented us!”Aguilar and Muñoz had arrived at Dodger Stadium with other friends more than two hours before the first pitch, donning their Valenzuela jerseys.
At precisely 6:34 p.m and accompanied by mariachi, Valenzuela walked onto the field to a standing ovation from fans and stadium employees. Moments before,had played on the stadium’s big screens. It retold the story of a young, pudgy 20-year-old from Etchohuaquila, Sonora, whose iconic screwball helped earn the franchise its fourth championshi, and forever transformed the makeup of the team’s fan base.
The junior U.S. senator from California was among the luminaries present to pay tribute to “El Toro.” Others included Jaime Jarrín, the former Spanish voice of the Dodgers and Valenzuela’s longtime friend; Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax; Mike Scioscia, Valenzuela’s former teammate and catcher; and Julio Urías, current Dodgers ace and fellow Mexican.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dodgers to retire No. 34 in honor of legendary pitcher Fernando ValenzuelaThe Dodgers will celebrate the career of Fernando Valenzuela this weekend as they retire the beloved former pitcher’s jersey number.
Read more »
Dodgers set to retire Fernando Valenzuela's number during 3-day 'Fernandomania' weekendThe Dodgers are preparing to retire the number 34 in honor of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, as part of a three-day 'Fernandomania weekend.'
Read more »
'Fernandomania' Forever: Dodgers to retire No. 34 for Fernando ValenzuelaOn Friday, 'Fernandomania' will be immortalized as the Dodgers will retire No. 34 for Fernando Valenzuela.
Read more »
Dodgers kick off celebration of Fernando Valenzuela with jersey retirement'Fernandomania' broke out again 42 years after first taking hold at Dodger Stadium and spreading nationwide. The Dodgers retired Fernando Valenzuela's No. 34 jersey before hosting the Colorado Rockies.
Read more »
Photos: Dodgers finally retire Fernando Valenzuela's No. 34The Dodgers formally retired legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela's jersey number during a pregame ceremony at Dodger Stadium on Friday night.
Read more »