Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor
We Explain L.A.
Donate
Stay Connected

LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network. For the latest national news from NPR and our live radio broadcast, visit LAist.com/radio

Keep up with our local independent news

The Top 5 newsletter catches you up with LA’s top 5 stories in just 3 minutes.
Donate

Share This
Play In LA

Fernandomania Returns! Dodgers To Retire Legendary Pitcher's No. 34

By  Rebecca Gutierrez
Published Feb 5, 2023 12:44 PM
Retired pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, wearing his number 34 white Dodgers jersey over a blue dress shirt, leans back to throw a baseball.
Fernando Valenzuela threw out the ceremonial first pitch during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium last year. His number will be retired in August.
(Ronald Martinez
/
Getty Images)
We need to hear from you.
Today during our spring member drive, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.
IN THIS ARTICLE

Fernandomania will return to Dodger Stadium in August, when the Dodgers retire legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela's No. 34 during ceremonies and events over three games.

Why Valenzuela deserves the honor

He was Major League Baseball's Rookie of the Year and National League Cy Young Award winner in 1981, the first player to win both awards in the same season. In 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he was named to six All-Star teams, threw a no-hitter and won two World Series championships, among other accomplishments.

Two men in Dodgers uniforms stand on the field. The man at left as medium-toned skin and a full-head of brown wavy hair. The man at right is gray and balding and holds a mic
Fernando Valenzuela #34 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is interviewed by his manager Tommy Lasorda #2 before a game at Wrigley Field in Chicago in 1981. J
(Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
A pitcher in a white Dodger's uniform is mid wind-up on the pitcher's mound with a crowd in the stand behind.
Fernando Valenzuela #34 of the Los Angeles Dodgers winds up for a pitch during a 1985 MLB season game at Dodger Stadium.
(Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Support for LAist comes from
Become a sponsor

Why now

Many fans may ask, why so long? As Stan Kasten, the Dodgers president and CEO, said in a statement, "It's hard to envision a player having a greater impact on a fan base than the one Fernando has had.''

Valenzuela's reaction

In a statement, Valenzuela, who has been a longtime Spanish broadcaster for the team . said, ``To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor. But also for the fans — the support they've given me as a player and working for the Dodgers, this is also for them."

When will his number be retired

The Dodgers will retire his number in a ceremony on Aug. 11. The team will celebrate further on Aug. 12 with a Valenzuela bobblehead giveaway. On Aug. 13, the team will hand out a replica Valenzuela 1981 World Series ring to fans.

What questions do you have about Southern California?

Most Read
Best of LAist
Related Stories