Dodgers, fans honor Fernando Valenzuela’s legacy before Game 1 of World Series – Orange County Register

LOS ANGELES – On a Friday in October at Dodger Stadium, just shy of his 21st birthday, Fernando Valenzuela delighted a sold-out crowd when he fought his way through a tough outing to beat the New York Yankees and reverse the course of the World Series. of 1981.

Whether the fans were the 12-year-old Mexican-American boy next to his father in the top row of the reserved tier in the seats that were selected to purchase in a postcard drawing or the season-ticket holders much closer to action, were enthralled during what turned out to be the final start to Valenzuela’s spectacular rookie season.

On a Friday in October, 43 years (and two days) later, fans gathered again to pay tribute and say goodbye to one of the Dodgers’ most beloved before, fittingly, Game 1 of the 2024 World Series against the New York Yankees. York. Valenzuela died on Tuesday, at the age of 63. after an illness that his family has kept private.

Eastvale’s Juan Carlos Gonzalez made sure to take a photo of Valenzuela’s No. 34 at the upper entrance to Dodger Stadium among the team’s other retired numbers.

“Fernando was a great representative of our Mexican heritage and was a big part of why people loved the Dodgers for a long time,” said González, who at 43 said he was too young to see Valenzuela play but still understands. why he was revered in Los Angeles.

Gonzalez said it was important enough to be at Game 1 with his son, André, for the Valenzuela tribute that he bought tickets on the secondary market Friday morning.

“It wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it,” he said.

Gardena’s Linda Avila appeared Friday wearing the No. 34 jersey she has had for 10 years and worn in every Dodgers playoff game. since the team announced that Valenzuela had been hospitalized.

Her husband Nacho recalled attending the Dodgers’ first home game in Valenzuela’s first season (a last-minute start in place of injured teammate Jerry Reuss) when Ávila bought 80 tickets for friends and family to join in the fun. .

“So many good memories,” said Nacho Ávila, a long-time subscriber. “It’s great to be here on a day when they honor him.”

The path to Dodger Stadium was easy to follow on Friday. One No. 34 jersey after another led the way, starting in the taquito line at Cielito Lindo on Olvera Street and stopping briefly at the Dodger Stadium sign on Vin Scully Avenue, where the first flowers were placed an hour later from the Dodgers announcement. The death of Valenzuela. Friday’s funeral included funeral sprays, balloons, Mexican flags, photographs and messages to a local hero.