Los Angeles Honors Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela with Number Retirement and Day Celebration

The vibrant city of Los Angeles is taking a momentous step to commemorate the remarkable journey of one of its all-time Dodger greats. The accolades for Fernando Valenzuela are reaching new heights as Dodger Stadium prepares to retire his legendary number 34. Marking this significant milestone, Friday, August 11th, has been designated as a day dedicated to celebrating Valenzuela’s extraordinary contribution to the Dodgers’ legacy.

Kicking off the weekend festivities, Friday night sets the stage for the Dodgers’ grand tribute to Fernando Valenzuela’s iconic career. The pinnacle of this honor is the retirement of his illustrious number. However, the festivities don’t end there – the team has more surprises in store. Fans can anticipate a special Fernando Valenzuela bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, followed by the distribution of replica 1981 World Series rings on Sunday.

Fernando Valenzuela catapulted into the limelight in 1981, captivating the nation with the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.” Bursting onto the scene as a 20-year-old sensation, Valenzuela’s extraordinary prowess led him to top the league charts in strikeouts, innings pitched, complete games, and shutouts. In an unprecedented feat, the talented lefty clinched both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season – a testament to his unparalleled skills.

Across his remarkable 11-year tenure with the Dodgers, Valenzuela etched his name in baseball history. With two Silver Slugger Awards and six All-Star appearances, he showcased his versatile abilities. Notably, he played a pivotal role in securing another World Series Championship for the Dodgers in 1988.

Fernando Valenzuela proudly joins an elite league of Dodgers luminaries whose numbers have been immortalized by the team. His revered jersey, number 34, now stands alongside the likes of Pee Wee Reese, Tommy Lasorda, Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, Jim Gilliam, Don Sutton, Walter Alston, Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson, and Don Drysdale.

Beyond his playing days, Valenzuela’s impact continued as he embarked on a post-playing career journey. He contributed seven additional seasons across five different teams after departing the Dodgers in 1990. In a heartwarming twist, he returned to the Dodgers fold in 2003, taking on the role of Spanish radio analyst. For years, Valenzuela teamed up with legendary announcer Jamie Jarrin to deliver riveting commentary during Dodgers games.

A true trailblazer, Valenzuela still holds the distinction of being the Mexican-born player with the most strikeouts and wins. This weekend’s celebrations further solidify his lasting legacy as a sports icon.

This celebration is a continuation of the Dodgers’ profound respect for Valenzuela. In 2019, he was rightfully inducted into the “Legends of Dodgers Baseball,” a distinction that places him among the team’s revered Hall of Fame.

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