Monterey /
Fernando Valenzuela He didn’t leave, he is immortal as is his number 34 that hangs at the top of Dodger Stadium.
On August 11, 2023, the Dodgers’ home was the scene of a historic event: the official retirement of Fernando Valenzuela’s number 34one of the most iconic figures in the history of Los Angeles Dodgers.
This recognition, although it took decades to reach the Mexican pitcher, closed a story of success and significance that helped increase the figure of the Los Angeles team beyond its borders.
Valenzuela, debuted with the Dodgers in 1980but it was in the 1981 season when he left his indelible mark on baseball; during that year, he Bull not only did he win the Rookie of the Year awardbut was also awarded the prestigious Cy Young Awardbeing the first player to obtain both recognitions in the same season.
Additionally, that year he led the team to win the World Series, beginning the Fernandomaniaa phenomenon that crossed borders, making Valenzuela a mythical figure on North American and Mexican soil.
“I have received this news and for me it has been something big because for years I wore that number 34, Everyone in Mexico will feel proud and happy about the retirement of the number 34“, mentioned the Bull prior to the ceremony.
The retirement of his number 34 broke with the Dodgers’ traditional policy, which They only honor numbers of players elected to the Hall of Famedemonstrating the magnitude of the impact he had not only on the diamond, but also on the Latin community.
The ceremony was attended by numerous figures from baseball and the Dodgers organization, who recognized the importance of Valenzuela in the history of the team.
The retirement of number 34 was accompanied by a series of commemorative events during the weekend that started with long rows of Mexican and American fans wearing the historic jersey.
As of now, that number hangs at the top of the Dodger Stadium to proudly remember one of the greats in the history of Mexican sports.
Fernando Valenzuela leaves a legacy of excellence and perseverance, becoming a symbol of pride for Mexico and an eternal reference in the history of the Dodgers and the Major Leagues.
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RGS
