The Los Angeles Dodgers remembered late team legend, Fernando Valenzuela, ahead of their World Series battle against the New York Yankees Friday night.
Valenzuela passed away at age 63 earlier this, just days before his beloved team returned to the World Series to take on their familiar foe.
The Dodgers announced the news of his passing late Tuesday evening with no cause of death given.
Valenzuela’s mourning family gathered on the field following the team’s introductions as the Dodgers paid tribute to their legend ahead of the World Series curtain raiser.
His wife Linda, sons Fernando Jr. and Ricardo, and daughters Maria and Linda stood together by the side of home plate as their late husband and dad was emotionally honored by his former team.
Fernando Valenzuela’s grieving family joined the Los Angeles Dodgers’ tribute to the legend
Los Angeles Dodgers legend Valenzuela passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63
His wife Linda (left), sons Fernando Jr. (center) and Ricardo (right), and daughters Maria and Linda stood together by the side of home plate ahead of Game 1 of the World Series Friday
In honor of the pitcher, the customary first pitch was not thrown but instead the ball was placed by former Dodgers MVPs Orel Hershiser and Steve Yeager on the number 34 – Valenzuela’s jersey number – which had been painted onto the mound.
The Los Angeles announcer then asked fans gathered inside Dodger Stadium to respect a moment’s silence for Valenzuela or, if they preferred, replicating one of his infamous gestures.
They encouraged supporters to ‘look to the heavens, as Fernando would do every time he pitched.’
During the tribute, Valenzuela’s widow, Linda, was caught heartbreakingly trying to keep her tears at bay while her son, Fernando Jr., comforted her.
Valenzuela went from obscurity to superstardom in 1981 during a period known as ‘Fernandomania’ when he became the only player to win a Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
Valenzuela played in the major leagues from 1980 until his retirement in 1997.
During his first eight starts of the 1981 season, Valenzuela allowed only four earned runs and had a complete-game win each time he took the mound.
He was named the Opening Day in 1981 by manager Tommy Lasorda after Jerry Reuss got hurt a day earlier. He responded with a 2-0 victory over Houston, beginning the season with an 8-0 record, including five shutouts, and an 0.50 earned-run average.
Valenzuela went from obscurity to superstardom in mid-1981 during ‘Fernandomania’
A ball was placed near the number 34 painted onto the mound, instead of a first pitch
A blue and white wreath was hung on a plaque of the former Dodgers pitcher
‘Tommy Lasorda came up to me and said, “Are you ready to pitch tomorrow?” I said, “I’m ready,”‘ Valenzuela recalled. ‘That’s what I was looking for, the opportunity to show what I can do.’
Valenzuela stayed close to the franchise after retirement. He was the color commentator on the Spanish-language broadcasts for its SportsNet LA cable channel until earlier this month.
The Dodgers had announced Valenzuela had been hopeful to return to the booth next season, as he stepped aside to focus on his health.
The Etchohuaquila, Mexico native is credited for drawing large numbers of Latino fans to Dodger Stadium and they nicknamed him ‘El Toro’ — the Bull. He proved a huge draw on the road as well.
Valenzuela’s pitching motion — glancing skyward at the apex of each windup — was a hit, too. His signature pitch was the screwball, taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo in 1979.
Fans honored the six-time All-Star by wearing his jersey as the Dodgers took on the Yankees
A mural went up displaying the MLB icon at Dodger Stadium days after his death
During his warmups, ABBA’s hit ‘Fernando’ blared from the speakers.
Valenzuela spent the first 11 of his 17 years in the majors with Los Angeles. He helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series, winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year after he went 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA in 25 starts.
The six-time All-Star won at least 10 games and made at least 25 starts in nine seasons with the Dodgers. He went 21-11 with a 3.14 ERA in 1986, throwing 20 complete games and finishing second to Mike Scott in balloting for the NL Cy Young Award.
Valenzuela appeared in his last big league game with St. Louis in July 1997. He finished his playing career with a 173-153 record and a 3.54 ERA in 453 games, including 424 starts.
