As part of the Dodgers’ weekend celebration to honor legendary left-hander Fernando Valenzuela and retire his No. 34, the Los Angeles City Council on Friday, Aug. 11 proclaimed Aug. 11, 2023, as “Fernando Valenzuela Day.”
Dodger fans from all across the city — including city staff and workers — filled the Council Chambers to see the beloved Mexican pitcher and participate in his recognition. The council recently approved a resolution to recognize the 62-year-old Valenzuela, and waited until Friday to host a presentation to coincide with the start of “Fernandomania.”
Councilwoman Euinsses Hernandez led the presentation and said this weekend “Angelenos across the city will be celebrating Fernando and his incredible legacy.”
Valenzuela — wearing a blue suit, the signature color of the Dodgers — walked up to the podium alongside the councilwoman and shared a few words first in English and then in Spanish.
“Thank you for this invitation. I don’t have many words to say. I played 11 years here and then after I continued to work but with another department,” Valenzuela said. “Thank you to the team for giving the opportunity to be in this beautiful city.”
He kept his remarks short, but emphasized his love for the Dodgers, the fans and the city, which he calls home.
Hernandez shared more of his history, including how he came from Sonora, Mexico, where learned the game of baseball.
The Dodgers scouted Valenzuela and he joined the team in 1979. He made his major league debut the following year as a relief pitcher, and quickly became a household name.
In 1981, as a starting pitcher for the Dodgers, Valenzuela became the only player in Major League history to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season when he was 20.
He also became a six-time National League All Star. During his last season, in 1990, he pitched a no-hitter.
“Throughout his tenure, Fernando became a global sensation and an inspiration to…
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