The children of Valenzuelas fans, and now even their children, have become Dodgers fans. Reporters descended upon Etchohuaquila, eager to unspool the origin story of the young phenom. Keep up with headlines and events at the Baseball Hall of Fame, and see who will be taking their place in history next. Astros embrace, enjoy their moment Everyone wanted a piece of Fernando. Valenzuela was injured when the Dodgers won their most recent World Series, in 1988, and was released in spring training of 1991 but he has been back with the organization since 2003, when he joined Jarrin in the broadcast booth. Dodgers team president and CEO Stan Kasten announced at Saturdays FanFest event that the team will retire Valenzuelas uniform number this season. Valenzuela had a career record of 173 wins and 153 losses. He returned to Mexico in 1992 and pitched for the Jalisco Charros, going 10-9 with a 3.86 ERA. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Episode 1 | Everybody wants to have a hero, Episode 2 | How Mike Brito discovered Fernando Valenzuela, Episode 3 | Why the Dodgers are haunted by Chavez Ravine ghosts, Fernando Valenzuelas number retirement celebrated by Jaime Jarrn and Julio Uras, Hernndez: Fernando Valenzuelas lasting impact on baseball makes him worthy of Hall of Fame, Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies: How to watch, start times and betting odds, Dodgers dont need the long ball to finish sweep of Cardinals. The citywide call by our fans to honor him is truly remarkable. In a long-awaited move that will rock Chavez Ravine at its Fernandomania roots, the Dodgers announced Saturday that they are retiring Valenzuela's No. Right now, I dont see anyone wearing that number, so that would be nice, no? He has worked for daily newspapers as a sportswriter since 1983, in Southern California since 1987 and at the Orange County Register since 1999. Fernando Valenzuela at Dodger Stadium in March 2011. But who knows what the future holds, right? Kasten said. Valenzuela was a late-season call-up in 1980, but his legend grew as the Dodgers' emergency starter on Opening Day, 1981, when he hurled a 2-0 shutout over the Houston Astros. Maybe new management will change this policy. When asked about how he felt about the Dodgers not retiring his number 34, Fernando gave the humble answer that you might come to expect from him. He would win a career high 21 games in 1986 and throw a no-hitter vs. the Cardinals on June 29, 1990, in which Vin Scully exclaimed after the final out: If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!. Thank you to all the fans for your support, said Valenzuela. More recently, the Mexican Baseball League retired his No. If anybody wants to wear it, its fine. Nonetheless, Jarrn said, logically, the talent would have emerged sooner or later.. Clayton Kershaw adds to his Dodgers legend with another pitching gem. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. We had the policy. A trip to Cooperstown has something for baseball fans and everyone else. "It's gone, Fernando, it's gone," Scully said as Guerrero rounded the bases with a victory for Valenzuela in his back pocket. His five-hit shutout of the defending division champion Houston Astros caught everybody's attention. He will be shown on the videoboard throughout the weekend as he works his job with the Dodgers Spanish-language broadcast team. Web 1981-04-22 Dodgers rookie Fernando Valenzuela tosses his 3rd shutout in 4 starts. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Valenzuelas impact on the Dodgers is immense, and he remains in the family as an announcer for the team. No wonder he became a cultural icon in the Latino community in the United States, Mexico, and Latin America. So what changed? I guess not.. 34 in 2019. The series was the first regular season series to be played outside the United States or Canada. The Dodgers before Sundays game introduced Fernando Valenzuela to the crowd after a pair of highlight videos played recounting his remarkable achievements, two days after the 40th anniversary of his first major league start in 1981, the beginning of Fernandomania. Valenzuela spent nine more seasons as member of the Dodgers rotation, but ultimately the distinctive screwball, coupled with heavy use early on in his career from 1982-1987 he pitched at least 250 innings each season proved to be his undoing, and the organization released him in 1991. Someone asked about him being an exception I think that is the best word to describe Fernandos accomplishments on the field, in the community and his connection to our fan base. This was possible because of all the support you gave me.. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). For the most part, however, this isn't a good team. Fernando Valenzuela grew up in Mexico and later made his MLB debut for the Dodgers at age 19. Valenzuela was part of two World Series champion teams, winning the 1981 National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. Syndergaard gets first win in 6-3 victory over the Cardinals, Dodgers get first three-game home sweep over Cardinals since 2019, Doncon reaches base 6 times, Frasso scoreless again. MEXICO CITY -- By the time the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants take the field Saturday for their historic two-game series at Mexico City's Alfredo Harp Helu Stadium, a flurry of Major . The answer is, this year.. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fernando-Valenzuela, National Baseball Hall of Fame - Fernandomania made it all the way to Cooperstown, California Sports Hall of Fame - Biography of Fernando Valenzuela, Fernando Valenzuela - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). As you know I walk through the stands every night. Within Navojoa is the town of Etchohuaquila, home to fewer than a thousand residents but which gained global attention in 1981 as the birthplace of a 20-year-old Dodgers phenom who took baseball by storm. Valenzuela deserves a place alongside him. "People in Mexico, Central America and South America became fans of the Dodgers. Por lo tanto, deberia ser nominado en base a los requisitos mencionados anteriorment y los siguientes logros:Un record de carrera de 173 victorias y 153 derrotasNovato del Anio de la Liga Nacional (1981)Primer novato en ganar el premio Cy Young (1981)Llevar a los Dodgers a la Seria Mundial (1981)Lider de Poncheo del MLB (1981)6 veces "All-Star" (1981-1986)2 veces "Bateador de Plata" (1981-1983)Premio Guante de Oro (1986)Lider Ganador del NL (1986)Lanzador sin Hits (1990)No olvidemos que su popularidad genero el fenomeno "FERNANDOMANIA". Within days, Los Doyers had signed Valenzuela for $120,000. The cheers will probably be unlike anything previously heard at Chavez Ravine. Valenzuela spoke with the media ahead of his celebration on Sunday. The roar should have told them everything. He kept wearing it for the Dodgers, when he won Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award, through six All-Star Games, while pitching a no-hitter, and as a part of two World Series winners, all while captivating a fanbase as the Dodgers biggest-ever star from Mexico. And now, finally, officially, gloriously, it will live forever with Fernando Valenzuela. But even he acknowledged he was elected in part because of Valenzuela. In an underground campaign inspired by longtime clubhouse manager Mitch Poole, after Valenzuela left the team in 1991 no new players have been allowed to wear the No. Valenzuela helped carry the Dodgers to the World Series title and became the first pitcher to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season. Fernandomania weekend will take place August11-13when the Dodgers host the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Valenzuela played 17 Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons, from 1980 to 1991 and 1993 to 1997. Its an amazing feeling, Valenzuela said. Its the best feeling. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Corrections? He further internationalized the player pool. I am incredibly happy that number 34 for the Los Angeles Dodgers will be retired forever, said Stan Kasten, Dodger President & CEO. In addition to his U.S. major league career, Valenzuela pitched for three seasons in the Mexican League and several more during the winter in the Mexican Pacific League. 34 is retired, and its magic lives on. When Fernando played, the game attendance increased to an average of 9,000 whenever and wherever he pitch in road games. Jarrn said his favorite memory of the 1981 season was of the time he accompanied Valenzuela to a luncheon at the White House that was staged in honor of then-Mexican President Jose Lopez Portillo. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. It is the fulfillment of the persistent wishes of the passionate fan base that Valenzuela helped create. No question his role is up there with anybodys in terms of getting fans engaged, getting fans involved, and this has lasted long, long after he stopped playing, said Kasten. Fernando turned so many people from Mexico, Central America, South America into fans., Isabelle Minasian was the digital content specialist at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. A Pedro Guerrero double with two out in the bottom of the sixth scored Steve Garvey and that was all Valenzuela would need. But, anyone else? Valenzuela thought he was there to film a promotion about the teams Spanish-language broadcasts when Kasten told him. Eligibility restrictions apply. Slated as the Dodgers third starter in the rotation, Valenzuela became the Opening Day starter after a last-minute injury sidelined Jerry Reuss. The very next year, Valenzuela broke into the majors as a September call-up and pitched 17 2/3 scoreless innings in relief to help the Dodgers force. And for good reason. The policy was only players inducted into the Baseball HOF were considered to have their Dodger number retired, with the exception of Jim Gilliam. Mostly good. The audience that was won over by Valenzuela remains. Getting work in a playoff race, and pitching well against the Astros in 1980 gave Valenzuela confidence for that Opening Day start. 34 this year. Before refuting the premise by citing his career numbers or the brevity of his peak, consider this: Bud Selig, former MLB commissioner, is a Hall of Famer. (National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). Until 1986, Fernando had a Hall of Fame career, with six consecutive All-Star Games and finishing second for the Cy Young in 1986. He joined the Dodgers Spanish-language broadcast team in 2003. Name one other player in L.A. history that was so omnipresent, so community galvanizing, soL.A.! Its good enough that you cant lean on his curve or his screwball.. Especially after he followed up that Opening Day start with seven more wins and four more shutouts. Valenzuela won each start and went the distance every time, including five shutouts, four double-digit strikeout outings and a 0.50 ERA. Weve always had sports heroes, but theyve been boxers. Fernandomania surprised even Valenzuela himself, because, as he said, the Dodgers had a lot of great players with long careers so it was strange to him to focus on one player. LOS ANGELES -- Tommy Lasorda had a problem that day in 1981. The sound of a cheering crowd tells it all. 34 to the list of 11 current retired numbers. Which isn't to say Selig isn't deserving. Before refuting the premise by citing his career numbers or the brevity of his peak, consider this: Bud Selig, former Major League Baseball commissioner, is a Hall of Famer. His career highlights include a win-loss record of 173-153, with an earned run average (ERA) of 3.54. This petition starter stood up and took action. 34. Con razon, Fernando se convirtio en un icono cultural en la comunidad latina en los Estados Unidos, Mexico y America Latina. Following his playing career, Valenzuela rejoined the Dodger organization as a broadcaster in 2003 alongside Jarrn, who first go to know his old broadcasting partner while translating for Valenzuela during the height of Fernandomania in 1981. Could the team pull a fast one and include that in the ceremony this afternoon? He is very proud of his two sons, two daughters, and seven grandchildren. Valenzuela has served as a player, coach and general manager for Team Mexico in several international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic. Even though Valenzuela has been retired for 26 years, he has been prevented from participating in the Dodgers greatest tradition because of, well, the tradition. The young southpaw would come out of nowhere to absolutely dominate en route to a Rookie of the Year award and a Cy Young. Of course they dropped the ball when presented with a perfect opportunity to officially remove Fernando Valenzuelas No. Im just so happy that its happening. #DodgersFF pic.twitter.com/75Phwbv0ub. "The ballpark became a place," Jarrin, who has been calling Dodgers games since 1959, said before pausing, "very hard to describe. Valenzuela made three appearances against the Astros in the final series of the 1980 season, when the Dodgers needed to sweep them at home to force a one-game playoff. "The nerves come when you don't know what's going to happen. With the exception of the retirement of infielder Jim Gilliams No. So the Dodgers made an exception. The Dodgers released Valenzuela at the end of spring training in 1991, and they haven't issued number 34 to anyone since. 34. He was a six-time All-Star during his 11 seasons in with the Dodgers from 1980-90. Citizenship and Immigrations Service. The stoic Valenzuela was clearly moved by the honor. While he played for six MLB teams, his longest tenure was with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It is great.. In a long-awaited move that will rock Chavez Ravine at its Fernandomania roots, the Dodgers announced Saturday that they are retiring Valenzuelas No. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. What Fernando did in his first 8 starts was a streak for the ages: 8 wins, 7 complete . Opening day of 1981 launched "Fernandomania," a phenomenon in Los Angeles and then the nation named after the Mexican-born pitcher. As I recall they slightly did that back in 06 with a giveaway blanket. The love for Valenzuela is so great, his number retirement celebration will last an entire weekend, from Aug. 11-13, during a raucous series in which the Colorado Rockies will be mere props after the number is retired on Aug. 11. Maybe this latest Dodger honor will help. When rookie Fernando Valenzuela took the mound in L.A. for Opening Day 1981, no one knew it would be the beginning of a cultural phenomenon. I LOVE NEW YORK is a registered trademark and service mark of the New York State Department of Economic Development; used with permission. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Jaime Jarrn, Julio Uras, Dave Roberts and Max Muncy praise the Dodgers decision to recognize the impact Fernando Valenzuela had on the franchise. Bill Plunkett graduated from Michigan State with a bachelor's degree in journalism. For me it would be nice, but for right now I dont see anyone wearing that number, Valenzuela said Saturday. The Dodgers dont have an exact policy in place for determining jersey numbers to retire. Valenzuela, the National League's starting pitcher in the All-Star Game as a rookie, finished the strike-shortened 1981 season with a 13-7 won-loss record and a 2.48 ERA, one of the best in the. Fernando Valenzuela de seguro que cumple estos requisitos. 2016 CALIFORNIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE. Report: Gavin Stone will debut Wednesday for Dodgers. There's little power in the lineup, and while Graham Ashcraft and Hunter Greene have had their moments, Nick Lodolo 's slow start is frustrating . But, hey, the 50-year anniversary of Fernandomania is only a decade away. The 1981 season came to a temporary close on June 12, due to a players strike which lasted through July 31, but neither Valenzuela nor the hordes of Fernandomania fanatics were flustered by the stoppage. I dont see why any players number should be retired. If things had turned out differently, if I didn't do my job, we don't know if there would have been more opportunities, no? Valenzuela said. He is the only Major Leaguer to ever win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in the same season. (Lou Sauritch/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum) Within a few short weeks, Fernandomania was sweeping the nation. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). Valenzuela was a trailblazer for Latin American players and his induction was a watershed moment for the sport. If somebody is asking for that number, no problem.. As good as Valenzuela was to start the 1981 season, the left-hander was nearly as dominant to begin his career in '80 as a 19-year-old, as he didn't allow an earned run in 10 appearances. Valenzuela would have to be chosen by the Todays Game Committee, which will hold its next election in 2022. The Dodgers havent retired Fernando Valenzuelas number, but his impact on baseball, especially among Latinos in L.A., makes him Hall of Fame worthy. He began his professional baseball career at age 17 in the Mexican Center League, which later became a part of the expanded Mexican League. People in U.S. soccer circles have spent decades looking for a Mexican American star and the best they have come up with is, who, Herculez Gomez? The climate around an increasingly proactive fan base changed. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. Your email address will not be published. Or he could be elected to his rightful place in the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee, which considers candidates who are no longer eligible to be voted in by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Then I realized Ive been waiting for this and now its happened. He was the first pitcher to win his first eight career starts since Dave "Boo" Ferris did it in 1945 for the Boston Red Sox. Valenzuela made just a handful of appearances, and then the Dodgers connected him with another young pitcher Bobby Castillo to develop an off-speed pitch. He has been named national sports columnist of the year eight times by the Associated Press, and twice by the Society of Professional Journalists and National Headliner Awards. The cultural phenomenon of Fernandomania, which turned Dodger Stadium into a Cinco de Mayo celebration every time the native of Etchohuaquila, Mexico, took the mound has deep roots with Houston. LOS ANGELES From the first spark of Fernandomania, Fernando Valenzuela was exceptional. In 1933, Mel Almada changed the course of baseball history forever. 'Believe in the power of cheese': How a group of rookies helped give the Brewers the best vibes in baseball, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Covered Oakland Raiders for CSNBayArea.com and Sacramento Bee for eight years, Member of Pro Football Writers Association, Previously worked at Los Angeles Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal and Sports Illustrated. Even if it meant breaking their own rules, the Dodgers realized their choice was really no choice at all. POR LO TANTO, LE PIDO a la "Baseball Writer's Association of America que nomine a Fernando Valenzuela ante el "Eras Committee" para instalarlo en el Salon de la Fama de las Grandes Ligas de Beisbol en Cooperstown, New York. (Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). Bill Plaschke has been an L.A. Times columnist since 1996. There are more than 400 students waiting to complete lab courses who are, instead, filling their time with lectures and electives; many of them will not graduate . But his has been compared to a Horatio Alger story, or Cinderella. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Sheriffs deputies literally dragged Mexican Americans out of their Chavez Ravine homes to clear the land on which Dodger Stadium was later built. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Fenando alenswela born November 1 1960 is a Mexican former professional baseball pitcher. Valenzuela retired in 1997 after 17 big league seasons as the all-time leader in wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) among Mexican-born Major Leaguers. Ive never been in this kind of situation. I thought they were just joking. He became a cultural icon in the Latino community in the United States and a hero in his home country. 3 starter after making 10 scoreless appearances as a September call-up the previous season. Valenzuela should be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Why Fernando Valenzuela Should Be In Baseball Hall Of Fame Los Angeles Times . See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. After working on a screwball in the Minors, Valenzuela made his Major League debut on Sept. 15, 1980, tossing two scoreless innings against the Braves. Proceeds from online store purchases help support our mission to preserve baseball history. It is an appropriate honor for arguably the most impactful Dodger in Los Angeles franchise history. 34 had been unofficially retired since his playing career with the Dodgers ended after the 1990 season. (David Fields / Associated Press) Talk about a blown save. Number 34 is already retired in practice. Fernando's Hall of Fame Candidacy First of all, Valenzuela was on the HoF ballot for the first time in 2003 and fell off in 2004. Then again, the Dodgers are the same organization whose miscalculations resulted in a seven-year television blackout. The obvious exclusion finally became too great for the Dodgers to ignore. His importance to the Dodgers, in particular, was critical to the point that former owner Walter OMalley imagined him before he existed. The workload eventually caught up to him. Legend. "He was a little chubby. But at the end of the day, this just made more sense than just sticking to the policy.. Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell called Valenzuelas crafty pitch the best screwball since mine and Don Sutton was in awe of his screwball, while Joe Morgan argued that The key is his fastball. Beginning with that magical 1981 season, when a 20-year-old from Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico became the only player to win the Cy Young and rookie of theyear awards in the same year, Valenzuela constructed an enduring bridge between the franchise and its diverse fans. If there is any true honor is should be in a player being able to wear a past players number. Born the youngest of 12, Fernando Valenzuela looked nothing like the games typical aces, with their lanky limbs and imposing height. The left-hander was relatively short and stocky, with a tightly-coiled windup that brought his right knee to his ear and his eyes disconcertingly up to the skies. I truly believe that there is no other player in major league history who created more new fans than Fernando Valenzuela, said Jarrn, in an interview for Dodger Magazine in 2006. Relive Fernandomania through The Times documentary series that examines star pitcher Fernando Valenzuelas impact on the Dodgers, Major League Baseball and the Latino community in Los Angeles. Check out the backs of the uniform jerseys worn by fans. Valenzuela again returned to the Charros in 1994, but was brought back to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies at the end of the season and signed with the San Diego Padres the following spring. Odds to win 2018 World Series Valenzuelas first loss came in his ninth start, a 4-0 defeat at the hands of the Phillies, sparked by Hall of Famer Mike Schmidts home run in the first inning. Theyre going to be very excited to know that my No. Answer (1 of 3): Because of US sanctions, coups and general interference, etc. Not only in Los Angeles, but the whole country.". The announcement was made earlier today during the Dodgers' 2023 . Valenzuela could receive the Buck ONeil Award, which the Hall of Fame presents once every three or more years to an individual whose extraordinary efforts enhanced baseballs positive impact on society, broadened the games appeal, and whose character, integrity and dignity are comparable to the qualities exhibited by ONeil.. I know its going to happen sooner or later, but who knows?. 19 was retired after he died suddenly in 1978. One could even surmise that Valenzuelas singular effect on the Dodger franchise has been greater than any baseball player on any team anywhere. (25 in 1963, 26 in '68) and the Majors with a 2.10 ERA in 1969. Jim Gilliams No. Valenzuelas remarkable career placed him among the all-time L.A. Dodger leaders in wins (141, 6th), strikeouts (1,759, 5th), innings (2348.2, 4th), starts (320, 4th), complete games (107, 4th) and shutouts (29, 5th). Fernando Valenzuela on Baseball Reference.. Valenzuela: If anybody wants to wear it, its fine. Dodgers honor Fernando Valenzuela, but they still havent retired his number 34, The case for Kershaw to win NL pitcher of the month, Week 5: Stolen bases, catchers interference & a sweep. The lefty spent two and a half seasons with his former division rival, including a 1996 campaign where he went 13-8 with a 3.62 ERA, before being traded and subsequently released. Which isnt to say Selig isnt deserving. Valenzuela finished the strike-shortened season with a record of 13 wins and 7 losses and led the league in complete games (11), shutouts (8), innings pitched (192), and strikeouts (180). On April 9, 1981, in front of 50,511 fans, the Dodgers faced off against the defending NL West champ Houston Astros and triumphed, thanks to a complete game, five-hit shutout by the rookie from Etchohuaquila. Im probably going to be thinking, This happened to me?!. Lasorda turned to the cherubic left-hander getting his work in on the side, the rookie who had never started a game in the big leagues and was slated to be the Dodgers' No. "It was one of my greatest games, one of my biggest moments because we won the game," Valenzuela told ESPN.com this week. This immediately gave rise to the phenomenon known as Fernandomania, in which fans would flock to his starts, both at home and on the road. If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky, indeed. Ranking MLB's radical City Connect uniforms: Which one's No. I thank the fans and the Dodgers for making it happen.. Self-guided tour or VIP experience. A Yaqui Indian with long hair and spoke no English. All Valenzuela did the afternoon of April 9, 1981, was baffle the Astros with a complete-game, five-hit shutout as the Dodgers won 2-0 in a spiffy 2 hours, 17 minutes. And this was everywhere we went. Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela acknowledges the crowd before throwing out the first pitch of the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium. Now, more than 40% of the teams fans are Latino. All Wins Above Replacement and Wins Above Average data . Of course. The Dodgers wont yet confirm that Gavin Stone will make his major league debut on Wednesday but a hint to why it will happen was dropped Sunday. All fathers wanted their sons to be the next Fernando Valenzuela, and all of us kids would imitate his delivery, looking up to the sky, hands up in the air high and everything. The announcement was made earlier today during the Dodgers 2023 FanFest, presented by Budweiser. They also obscured a more egregious omission. Jim Gilliam (#19), Don Sutton (#20), Walter Alston (#24), Sandy Koufax (#32), Roy Campanella (#39), Jackie Robinson (#42), Don Drysdale (#53) and Hall of Fame broadcasters Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrn. The Dodgers will celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fernandomania coming to Los Angeles today. Gil Hodges number 14 was retired by the Mets after less than 3 years of service,. He created more baseball fans, and Dodger fans, than any other player, said Jarrn, who called Dodger games from 1959-2022. His next chance will be in three years when he can be considered by the Hall of Fames Contemporary Baseball Era Players Committee. Seek out and celebrate your heroes, and explore online and in-person exhibits commemorating the history and impact of the game. 3 starter, was moved up to pitch the opener due to an injury to Jerry Reuss. Its been clear what Fernando means to fans. But his impact on the game still resonates today. He should be in Cooperstown for contributions that have been unmatched in baseball history. Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela delivers during a win over the Philadelphia Phillies on May 23, 1984. Now that the Dodgers have made an exception for Valenzuela, there could be other players who did not make the Hall of Fame to consider like Orel Hershiser (55) or Steve Garvey (6). MLB Power Rankings: Who's No. Eventually, the phenomenon known as Fernandomania made it all the way to Cooperstown. But not officially. But it was in 1981 that fans came out to Chavez Ravine every time he made his start. LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced that one of the most enduring and popular players in Dodger history, left-handed pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, will have his number "34" retired this summer during a special three-day celebration. Those are all exceptional. The announcement was made at the Dodgers FanFest celebration on a stage in right field at Dodger Stadium. "No single player created more baseball fans than Fernando," Jarrin said. Fernando Valenzuela made his debut with the Dodgers late in 1980. (Rich Pilling/National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum). They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. As a 20-year-old, Valenzuela caught the attention of fans when he pitched for the National League (NL) Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening game of the 1981 season and shut out the Houston Astros. The one question that I continuously get asked, more than anything else, is about retiring Fernando Valenzuelas number. Baseball folks from outside of Southern California have never quite understood the Valenzuela Effect, witness the fact that he received only 6.2% of votes when he was first eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003, and just 3.8% of votes the following year when he was dropped from the ballot.