Fernando Valenzuela would have turned 64 on Friday.
The left-handed pitcher who sparked “Fernandomania” and helped the Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the 1981 World Series died on October 22. Eight days later, the 2024 Dodgers clinched another World Series title by defeating the Yankees. The team’s victory parade was also in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, followed by a celebration at Dodger Stadium.
Valenzuela isn’t in the Hall of Fame, but he is a Dodgers legend. Hailing from a small town in Mexico, Valenzuela helped expand the Dodgers’ fan base to include much of L.A.’s Latino population, decades after many members of that community were forced from their homes in Chavez Ravine to take the road to clear for Dodger Stadium.
There is no statue honoring Valenzuela in the stadium. Only two Dodgers greats have received that honor: Jackie Robinson in 2017 and Sandy Koufax in 2022.
Read more: Plaschke: Fernando Valenzuela was the man who connected LA to the Dodgers
A group of Dodgers fans think it’s time for that to change. Two days after the former Cy Young winner’s death, a petition was started on change.org calling for the erection of a Valenzuela statue at the stadium. As of Friday morning, more than 900 signatures had been received.
“Fernando, popularly known as ‘El Toro’, is not just a player; he is a symbol of resilience, dedication and passion for many like me, who grew up worshiping him,” wrote Hector Gonzalez, who started the petition . “He created a sense of invincibility around him and symbolized hope for the fans, especially the Hispanic community in Los Angeles.”
Gonzalez added: “The addition of a statue of Fernando Valenzuela would further highlight the respect the organization shows for their influential players and enhance the significance of the Dodgers’ rich cultural and sporting heritage. Additionally, it would act as a celebration of not only Fernando’s influence in baseball, but his contribution to forging cultural bonds through sports.”
The Dodgers declined to comment for this article.
Read more: Robert Vargas started the mural of Fernando Valenzuela the day the great Dodgers died. It has become an altar
The team officially retired Valenzuela’s number 34 jersey in 2023, although no LA player had been assigned that number since Valenzuela was released in March 1991. It was the first time the Dodgers retired the number of a player who is not in the Hall of Fame. .
During their World Series run this year, the Dodgers honored Valenzuela by wearing patches that read “Fernando” with his number 34 underneath on their jerseys and painting his number on the pitcher’s mound at Dodger Stadium.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts gave Valenzuela a special shout-out during Friday’s rally.
“Congratulations, Fernando!” Roberts shouted. “This one’s for you too!”
Read more: In Fernando Valenzuela’s hometown, mourning and memories of how ‘The Lefty’ got his start
Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.
This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
