Legends of Dodger Baseball: Fernando Valenzuela

The goal of the Legends of Dodger Baseball is to recognize those who have made a lasting impact on the team both on and off of the field. It would be difficult to name any other member of the Los Angeles Dodgers who has made a more lasting impact on this organization and this city than number 34.

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Join the conversation!

[aquapyro]

I agree Retire #34. Valenzuela brought the city of Los Angeles together. The Dodgers finally became a team that Hispanics could get behind.

[imdm]

This was a "nice gesture" but The Dodgers Organization really needs to retire #34.

[rm-jlwy]

Even though Los Angeles with a Spanish name, and used to be part of Mexico, in the 1970's Latinos were still in the background of LA and American society. Fernando help put us in the forefront and now we are the majority of LA residents! Muchas gracias Fernando, nuestro amigo!

[michaelserna]

Who thumbs downed this?
Really??
We miss you calling our games Vinny. Go Dodgers!

[SuperBajafresh]

Fernando participated in the first ever Dodger baseball clinic at Belvedere Park in East Los Angeles in the 70s.
I went there thanks to Ralph cryder, Steve, Chavez's and the east la advisory council, David Chavira, Lauro Salazar, Jimmy D, Mrs. Ana Maria Tellez, Gil Gerakos, and supervisor Edelman. We created the sports associations and inner league games. It was also held at City Terrace Park . Thanks Fernando for coming out to our community leaving a memorable experience for our youth.

[pep]

Vida Blue in 1971 is about as close to a phenomenon to Fernando that I can think of. Blue was not a rookie as that was the only difference as it was his second full year. He won the league MVP and Cy Young.

[asasinphoto]

Today is Fernando Valenzuela day in Los Angeles. The Dodgers are finally retiring #34

[humarquezn]

The humility with which Fernando carriles himself is his greatest legacy. That same humility that characterize the native people of Sonora.

[josecarranza]

Only question is why did the Dodgers take so long to induct Fernando Valenzuela into the Dodgers hall of fame?

[ZhangtheGreat]

What's not mentioned in this video: why the Latino community in LA took so long to warm up to the Dodgers. When Dodger Stadium was to be built, the homes in and around Chavez Ravine were to be demolished, and many of those homes were inhabited by Latino residents. Because the Dodgers forced so many Latino residents from their homes, they also isolated themselves from the Latino fan base for decades. Fernando Mania changed all that. Today, it's hard to imagine a time when LA's Latino community didn't throw their support behind the Dodgers, but for their first decades in LA, this was a reality.

[williamdunphy]

Narrated by Vin Scully (English) & Jaime Jarrin (Spanish).

[adonismapother]

Thank you grandpa Grover for introducing me to the legend of dodgers Fernando Valenzuela now I’m gonna introduce my white girlfriend to him lol

[TERoss-jkny]

Back when they let pitchers PITCH.
Now? Can’t afford to injure those $100, 000, 000 arms. Sad

[larrysanchez]

I hate the Dodgers I hope never win until they retire Fernandos number and put him in the hall of fame until then I hope misery and heart break over n over i hate Dodgers until Fernando gets justice

[adanemt]

He's not a nice men when I met him.