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Fernandomania Returns! Dodgers To Retire Legendary Pitcher's No. 34
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.
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Ronald Martinez
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Getty Images
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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.
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
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Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
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Getty Images
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Fernando Valenzuela #34 of the Los Angeles Dodgers winds up for a pitch during a 1985 MLB season game at Dodger Stadium.
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Rick Stewart/Getty Images
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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
'Fernando, the No. 34 is yours. It will always be yours. No other Dodger will ever wear it again.'
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) February 4, 2023
The iconic Fernando Valenzuela kept a special secret all week. It was let out at FanFest — his No. 34 will be retired by the Dodgers in 2023.
Story 🔗https://t.co/CH4Ztp1iEU pic.twitter.com/wk7CfI29rM
Sponsored message
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.
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