Dodgers Retiring No. 34 of Fernando Valenzuela
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be retiring Fernando Valenzuela’s No 34. jersey on the weekend of Aug. 11-13, which has been dubbed “Fernandomania.”
The three-day weekend consists of multiple different Valenzuela-based tributes and promotions. Friday, Aug. 11, marks the retirement of Valenzuela’s number. Saturday features a Fernando Collector’s Bobblehead, while Sunday honors the 1981 squad with a World Series replica ring.
“To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor,” Valenzuela said in a remark to the press.
“But also for the fans — the support they’ve given me as a player and working for the Dodgers, this is also for them. I’m happy for all the fans and all the people who have followed my career. They’re going to be very excited to know that my No. 34 is being retired.”
Fernando is right: Many Dodgers fans have been clamoring for the team to retire No. 34 for decades. They’ll finally get their wish this summer.
Valenzuela might be the most deserving jersey retirement of this current generation. As mentioned earlier, Valenzuela was a member of the 1981 Dodgers World Series Champion team in his rookie season, where he won Rookie of the Year and Cy Young, a feat never achieved before.
His competition for NL Cy Young that season? None other than Cincinnati Red, Tom Seaver.
Valenzuela struck out 2,074 batters in his career, ranking 78th on the all-time list.
The announcement was made during Dodgers FanFest in anticipation of the upcoming season. The Dodgers will be right in the mix in the National League yet again after a disappointing end to a historic season last year. They’ll also have to get used to life without superstar Trea Turner.
Fernando Valenzuela’s jersey retirement is a long-awaited ending for an all-time Dodger. He is the 12th Los Angeles Dodger to have their jersey number retired. He stands as the first Mexican-born player to live in immortality in the rafters of Chavez Ravine.
“Thank you to all the fans for your support,” Valenzuela said. “It’s great.”
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