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'He was 100% baseball.' Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Jarrín remembers 'Fernandomania'
Los Angeles Dodgers Spanish language broadcaster Jaime Jarrin and Hall of Fame Dodger pitcher Fernanado Valenzuela in 2008.
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AirTalk Extra: Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Jarrín on Fernando Valenzuela
Following the death of beloved Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, the team's longtime Spanish language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín, who was Fernando's translator during his days with the team, spoke with AirTalk host Larry Mantle about the loss of his friend and former broadcasting partner, his memories of "Fernandomania," Fernando's importance to Latino and Mexican baseball fans in the U.S. and the indelible mark Fernando left on the Dodgers organization and the entire baseball community.
Jaime Jarrín remembers the first day he met Fernando Valenzuela.
The Dodgers' Spanish language broadcaster took a trip down to the clubhouse that day to welcome Fernando, something Jarrín says he did every time a new ballplayer joined the team.
"He was extremely shy, very reserved. He couldn't speak a word of English," Jarrín said. "But right away I sensed that he was special.”
Jarrín joined Larry Mantle on AirTalk, LAist 89.3’s daily news program, to remember his dear friend and one of the most influential Dodgers of all time. Fernando died at the age of 63 earlier this week.
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The true beginning of 'Fernandomania'
Los Angeles Dodgers pitching star, Fernando Valenzuela, poses in 1981.
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For Jarrín, "Fernandomania" began the year he started interpreting for the soon-to-be phenomenon.
"Everybody believes that it's '81, but to me, it was 1980," Jarrín said.
That's when Fernando became a relief pitcher. According to Jarrín, some argued he should be starting, but Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda thought it was too much pressure for a 20-year-old "kid." Still, he helped to secure important wins as a reliever that year.
The magic of 1981
Fernando Valenzuela at a news conference answers questions from reporters at Dodger Stadium, May 13, 1981.
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To this day, true-blue fans remember Fernando's starting-debut Home Opener game in 1981 and the transformative season to follow that led to a World Series win over the Yankees.
“He was very much aware of the meaning of that game. He said, ‘If I do well in this game, I will do well the rest of my life'...his instincts were unbelievable," Jarrín said.
For die-hard fans in the stands, it felt like Fernando came out of nowhere. He started the '81 season 8-0.
Read more: Thank you Fernando: How a Dodgers legend captured my childhood heart
Baseball would never be the same
The Mexican-born player became one of the biggest icons for the Latino community, leaving a lasting impression on the culture of baseball.
“He created so many new baseball followers.…people from Mexico, from Central America, from South America that didn’t care at all about baseball,” Jarrín said.
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He created so many new baseball followers.…people from Mexico, from Central America, from South America that didn’t care at all about baseball.
— Jaime Jarrín, retired Spanish-language Dodgers broadcaster
This led to the creation of a radio network throughout Mexico with more than 80 stations, with millions of people listening to every single game that Fernando pitched.
“On radio, in those days, if you had a rate of three, it would be great, or four would be fantastic. But on KTNQ, we had a rating of 8.6," Jarrín said.
A lasting connection
Jarrín interpreted for Fernando for years, creating a close connection with the MLB star.
“He was 100% baseball, so we didn't go to parties, we didn't go to receptions," Jarrín said.
Former Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Fernado Valenzuela working as a color commentator for looking over Dodger Stadium.
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Carlos Chavez
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Fernando would follow in the footsteps of his interpreter, becoming a broadcaster for the team in 2003. He stepped away from the role just earlier this month.
"It has been a very tough time for me," Jarrín said. "I knew Fernando since day one, when he came to this country, and I enjoy his company, and I enjoy his talent so much."
Listen to the conversation
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Jaime Jarrín remembers Fernando Valenzuela
Jarrin spoke with AirTalk's Larry Mantle about the loss of Fernando Valenzuela, his friend and former broadcasting partner.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
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