If there was a number that meant a lot in the 80s in Los Angeles it was the 34 of the Mexican Fernando Valenzuela. From the beginning of the decade until 1990 he had an impeccable run with the Dodgers, in which he achieved calls to the All-Star Game, records and individual awards in addition to a World Series.
With so many achievements and good memories, the born in Navojoa he will be honored next August, when his number is immortalized at Dodgers Stadium. The Fernandomanía will take over the venue on the 11th, 12th and 13th during the series against the Colorado Rockies.
The bull. pic.twitter.com/RQsgLMRw6C
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 4, 2023
“To be part of a group that includes so many legends is a great honor”commented the 62-year-old former pitcher, who managed to add 141 wins and 116 losses in 331 games thrown. Of that number of victories, he only in 1986 he won 21 -of which 20 were complete- being the most for a pitcher in the league that year.
Also, he was called six times a All-Star Game, won a Cy Young Award in 1981, same campaign in which he won the Rookie of the Year and lifted the World Series when the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in six games.
“I appreciate the Dodgers. As you know, I played for the team and now I continue to work on television for the organization.”continued who followed his career in other teams such as California Angeles (today Anaheim), Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres until retiring in 1997 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
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“Glad that now this year is going to happen. It will be something exciting for me. All the people in Mexico will feel proud and happy”, Valenzuela said.
This way will join a table where only Los Angeles legends can be found. They have already gone through this ceremony: Pee Wee Reese (1), Tommy Lasorda (2), Duke Snider (4), Gil Hodges (14), Jim Gilliam (19), Don Sutton (20), Walter Alston (24), Sandy Koufax (32), Roy Campanella (39), Jackie Robinson (42) and Don Drysdale (53).
