The Los Angeles Dodgers finally retire Fernando Valenzuela

On Friday night, Fernando Valenzuela made his entrance from the Dodger Stadium dugout in a truly Mexican manner: accompanied by mariachis serenading the classic tune "Viva México," while the crowd enthusiastically joined in with "¡Viva!" shouts during the chorus.

This grand entrance was a perfect match for the nickname "El Toro."

After years of anticipation, the Los Angeles Dodgers paid tribute to one of their most culturally significant players in team history by retiring Valenzuela's iconic No. 34 jersey.

Among those present to celebrate the left-handed pitcher's remarkable achievement were his family and some of his closest associates within the organization. These included former catcher Mike Scioscia and the illustrious Spanish announcer Jaime Jarrín, who is a member of the Hall of Fame. Hosting the ceremony was Dodgers radio announcer Charley Steiner, who likened the name "Fernando" to legends like "Jackie" and "Vin" in its association with the Dodgers. Steiner also highlighted Valenzuela's contributions beyond the baseball field.

"The individual we paid tribute to tonight holds a significance that goes beyond his accomplishments on the Dodgers' roster," remarked Steiner.

Valenzuela's address to the crowd was brief, yet emotionally charged. His speech was marked by a moment of choking up as he expressed gratitude to various groups: the Dodgers, his family, and the fans who had faithfully supported him throughout his career.

"It brings me immense joy to have been a member of the Dodgers for slightly over a decade," he shared. "I extend my heartfelt thanks. Gracias."

Accompanied by his family, Valenzuela walked along the left-field line to witness the unveiling of No. 34 in the Dodgers' ring of honor. He saluted the crowd during this poignant moment, describing the occasion as "a day filled with deep emotions."

"Fernandomania" swept across the baseball landscape during the 11 seasons that the native of Sonora, Mexico, spent with the Dodgers. While he initially made his debut in 1980 with a relief appearance, it was in 1981, at the age of 20, that he truly captured the spotlight. On opening day, he delivered a remarkable complete game shutout against the Houston Astros, kickstarting a season where he achieved an 8-0 record with an astonishing 0.50 ERA.

"It feels as though it was just yesterday when this slightly plump 20-year-old kid took the mound on opening day and set the entire world ablaze," Scioscia reminisced. "Beneath it all, what you couldn't see, was his unshakable composure. He revealed the sheer brilliance and enchantment of those moments."

That season, he concluded with a record of 13-7, boasting an ERA of 2.48. He clinched both the NL Cy Young and NL Rookie of the Year accolades—a remarkable double achievement and a first in baseball history. His triumph coincided with the Dodgers' victory in the 1981 World Series. Wrapping up his tenure with the Dodgers, he notched a career record of 141 wins against 116 losses, maintaining an ERA of 3.31. These accomplishments earned him the ninth spot in the franchise's history for wins. Adding to his remarkable journey, he threw a no-hitter in 1990, marking the pinnacle of his achievements in his final year with the club.

Beyond his performance on the field, Valenzuela's influence on the organization's Hispanic fan community stands out as perhaps his most significant accomplishment. His rapid rise to prominence provided Hispanics and Latinos in the city with a cherished figure to rally behind, contributing to the growth of the fanbase and opening doors for numerous Mexican players to enter Major League Baseball. Even now, over three decades later, visiting Dodger Stadium without encountering a fan proudly sporting his No. 34 jersey has become a rarity.

Friday brought an end to a prolonged deliberation in Los Angeles, as the uncertainty surrounding the retirement of Valenzuela's jersey was finally put to rest. While the Dodgers refrained from reissuing No. 34 following Valenzuela's departure from the team, the jersey had not been officially retired. This was due to the Dodgers' stipulated criteria, which required a player to have spent the majority of their career with the team and to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, with the exception of Jim Gilliam, a former player and coach, whose jersey was retired in 1978. Unfortunately, Valenzuela's journey to the Hall of Fame concluded without success, despite his two-year presence on the ballot in 2003-04.

That's why, despite decades of fervent requests from fans for the Dodgers to retire Valenzuela's jersey, his response upon hearing the news was simply, "Really?"

"It caught me completely off guard. I never saw it coming," Valenzuela shared with reporters.

However, to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, this recognition was "long overdue." He firmly believes that Valenzuela has a strong case for induction into the Hall of Fame.

"His legacy and impact will endure indefinitely," Roberts affirmed. "His influence extends far beyond the Dodgers, encompassing all of Major League Baseball. He has served as an inspiration for countless individuals, breaking down barriers and accomplishing this with remarkable humility."

In homage to the phenomenon that initially sparked it all— "Fernandomania weekend" — the Dodgers have dedicated an entire weekend series against the Colorado Rockies to honor Valenzuela. The tribute commenced with a commanding 6-1 victory on Friday. To solidify the honor, the Los Angeles City Council officially declared Friday as "Fernando Valenzuela Day."