LOS ANGELES — The legacy of Fernando Valenzuela was a prominent topic of remembrance for both the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees just hours before the opening game of the World Series.
An informal tribute had developed at a welcoming sign for fans at Dodger Stadium, marking the area where an outpouring of respect for the late pitcher began shortly after his passing on Tuesday. This poignant memorial three days later featured impressive blue and white floral tributes, including a notable arrangement showcasing “34,” the number associated with Valenzuela’s jersey, placed prominently at the stadium entrance.
A moment of silence was scheduled prior to the start of the game, emphasizing the impact Valenzuela had on the teams and their fanbase. Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts expressed the significant influence Valenzuela had on the organization, stating, “If there are two individuals who have shaped this organization profoundly, they would be Jackie Robinson and Fernando Valenzuela.” He added, “For many fans, especially those from south of the border, their support for the Dodgers is largely due to Fernando.”
Recalling his childhood, Roberts remembered being just 9 years old when Valenzuela’s unique pitching delivery sparked “Fernandomania.” In 1981, the left-handed pitcher, originally from Mexico, made history by winning both the National League Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year award—a milestone no player has matched since. Valenzuela later contributed to the Dodgers by providing commentary for their Spanish-language broadcasts over the course of two decades.
Roberts shared, “His legacy is everlasting. It’s difficult for me not to see him in the booth, chatting as we usually would. He was a true gentleman, a great asset to the Dodgers, and a genuinely humble person.”
Valenzuela was commemorated in multiple ways throughout Dodger Stadium, including a striking mural near left field, floral tributes, and blue ribbons positioned alongside his framed jersey and Silver Slugger awards showcased in the hallway outside the team’s clubhouse. Notably, Wednesday marked the 43rd anniversary of Valenzuela’s impressive 147-pitch complete game that helped lead the Dodgers to a victory against the Yankees in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series, culminating in the team’s championship win.
Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón, who is set to start Game 2 on Saturday, fondly reminisced about the era when starting pitchers often lasted longer into the game, frequently surpassing 100 pitches. “Today’s game has shifted—now it’s common for starters to go just through the lineup twice before a reliance on the bullpen, who are all throwing heat,” said Rodón, who has Cuban heritage. “Hearing the news of Fernando is tough. His greatness and influence on the Dodgers were monumental.”
Currently, Dodgers reliever Brent Honeywell is the sole active major leaguer known to utilize a screwball, the difficult pitch that Valenzuela masterfully executed during his prime in the early ’80s. Honeywell recounted meeting Valenzuela last summer, where they exchanged their methods for gripping the screwball. In the event that Honeywell pitches during the World Series, he remarked, “I’ll definitely throw one for him.”