As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to take on the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, Dodger Stadium will also serve as the stage for a deeply moving tribute to a baseball icon who changed the city forever. On Friday night, the Dodgers will honor the legacy of Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away this week at age 63, with a pregame ceremony that promises to stir memories of his monumental impact on baseball and the cultural fabric of Los Angeles.
Valenzuela, who rocketed to stardom in 1981 as the Dodgers clinched the championship over the Yankees, became an instant sensation. “Fernandomania” swept stadiums nationwide as fans clamored to witness his screwball mastery, unwavering gaze to the heavens, and electric spirit that transcended the game. That historic year, Valenzuela claimed both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, inspiring fans across borders and generations.
The Dodgers have asked fans to take their seats early to experience the tribute, which will include a commemorative video and a mariachi performance, evoking the cultural vibrance Valenzuela brought to every game. Throughout the series, players will wear a No. 34 patch, cementing Valenzuela’s legacy on the field he once dominated.
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred described Valenzuela’s influence as unparalleled, noting, “Fernando’s rookie season generated so much excitement… it became ‘Fernandomania.’ He became an ambassador for the sport, especially in his native Mexico.” This tribute promises to be a powerful reminder of a legend who will forever remain an emblem of resilience and pride in Los Angeles.