Service Details
A memorial service for Fernando Valenzuela, the beloved Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who passed away in October at the age of 63, is set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday. The service will take place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. Although the funeral mass is open to the public, seating will be limited.
Timing of the Memorial
The memorial occurs just days after what would have been Valenzuela's 64th birthday. Coincidentally, this day also marked a celebration for the Dodgers, who won the 2024 World Series. Fans celebrated with a parade in downtown Los Angeles, further highlighting Valenzuela's enduring legacy.
Fans Pay Tribute
During the World Series victory parade, thousands of Dodgers fans gathered to cheer on current players like Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts. Many fans honored Valenzuela by wearing No. 34 jerseys and holding signs in his memory.
Inside Dodger Stadium, fans sang "Happy Birthday" to him during a midday celebration, demonstrating the strong connection Valenzuela maintained with the team and its supporters.
Memorial at Dodger Stadium
Since Valenzuela’s passing, fans have been paying their respects at a memorial located on Vin Scully Drive, the entrance to Dodger Stadium. The area has been adorned with flowers, candles, and photos, honoring the pitcher’s remarkable impact on the franchise and its fans.
Valenzuela's Legacy
Valenzuela ranks among the Dodgers' all-time franchise leaders, holding fourth place in complete games (107), fifth in strikeouts (1,759), and sixth in wins (141). He is historically significant as the only player to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season, achievements he accomplished during the Dodgers' 1981 World Series run.
Career Highlights
Valenzuela’s 17-year Major League Baseball career concluded in 1997, spanning teams such as the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. He retired as the all-time leader in wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) among Mexican-born major leaguers.
Cultural Impact
His influence extended beyond statistics, especially with the "Fernandomania" phenomenon that began with his remarkable rookie season in 1981. Valenzuela's talent and charisma made him a cultural icon, and he played a vital role in two World Series victories for the Dodgers—in 1981 and 1988.
Honors and Recognition
Valenzuela, a member of both the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame and the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame, saw his No. 34 jersey retired by the Mexican Baseball League. In 2023, the City of Los Angeles declared August 11 as "Fernando Valenzuela Day," further cementing his legacy within the community and the sport.
As the memorial service approaches, fans and loved ones prepare to honor a player whose contributions to baseball and his community will be remembered for generations to come.
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