Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela served as a cultural ambassador for Mexican Americans, Mexicans
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela served as a cultural ambassador for Mexican Americans, Mexicans

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Nathaly Morga, who knows of Valenzuela because of her parents, said no matter how many other Latinos in baseball there are, “Fernando was always the big one, like the God.” Angel said that the explosion of television in the 1980’s and the broadcast of Dodgers games in Mexico catapulted Valenzuela into the phenomenon he became. Morga recalls her mom, who does not understand how baseball is played, telling her how at the height of “Fernandomania,” she would watch Dodgers games at a local burger joint because Valenzuela was pitching. “Everybody loves the Dodgers because of him.” Rob Martinez said for those growing up in Mexico, Valenzuela was the baseline. “Which was crazy for me because this was a person that my parents talked about, such an idol, and he was just a typical Mexican dad.” Angel said reading profiles on Valenzuela published since his death, he has a better understanding of how not only was he a baseball legend but a cultural ambassador at a time when the racial discourse was looked at differently than it may be now.

Latino Mexico Dodgers Martinez Mexican Fernando Valenzuela Dodgers Games Baseball Fans Morga  mexicans  americans  dodgers  morga  games  pitcher  mexico  martinez  cultural  baseball  fans  served  verifyerrors  fernando  valenzuela  mexican  ambassador

History of this topic

Luis Cruz, newest member of Dodgers Spanish-language broadcast team, remains fan favorite
1 month, 1 week ago

Luis Cruz, newest member of Dodgers Spanish-language broadcast team, remains fan favorite

LA Times  

Twelve years later, the chants hadn’t changed. “The level of excitement these couple days have been really, really high,” Cruz said in a phone interview Thursday from Mexico, where he was finishing his playing career in his country’s winter league. “A lot of fans saying ‘Cruuuz, welcome back!’ It was so many messages that I’m like, ‘Wow, it’s been 12 …

Dodgers icon Fernando Valenzuela cause of death revealed
1 month, 1 week ago

Dodgers icon Fernando Valenzuela cause of death revealed

LA Times  

Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela speaks during a news conference ahead of his jersey retirement ceremony on Aug. 11, 2023, in Los Angeles. It was just last month when 63-year-old Fernando Valenzuela, the beloved Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who sparked Fernandomania, died from an undisclosed illness. The latest details come three weeks after Valenzuela’s death and days after …

Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela remembered for having ‘the heart of a lion’ at his funeral
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela remembered for having ‘the heart of a lion’ at his funeral

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Fernando Valenzuela was remembered for “having the heart of a lion” throughout his stellar pitching career with the Los Angeles Dodgers during a funeral highlighting his Catholic faith on Wednesday. Valenzuela died on Oct. 22 at age 63, three days before the Dodgers began their eventual run to the franchise’s eighth World Series championship, beating the New …

Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela remembered for having 'the heart of a lion' at his funeral
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela remembered for having 'the heart of a lion' at his funeral

The Independent  

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Family, friends and fans pay tribute to Fernando Valenzuela at public funeral mass
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Family, friends and fans pay tribute to Fernando Valenzuela at public funeral mass

LA Times  

Pallbearers wheel out the casket of Fernando Valenzuela as a fan in a Valenzuela jersey looks on during the funeral mass on Wednesday. “He was a great man, a great baseball player and he meant a lot to Los Angeles and to our people.” Dodgers Remembering Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela | 1960-2024 A look back at the life and career …

Public funeral for Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela set for Wednesday morning
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Public funeral for Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela set for Wednesday morning

LA Times  

A public funeral Mass for Fernando Valenzuela — beloved Mexican-born pitcher, Dodgers legend and the inspiration for “Fernandomania” — will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. His death left Dodgers fans in mourning across Los Angeles, and Valenzuela was remembered numerous times during this year’s World Series …

‘Happy birthday, Fernando!’ Fans call for Valenzuela statue at Dodger Stadium
1 month, 3 weeks ago

‘Happy birthday, Fernando!’ Fans call for Valenzuela statue at Dodger Stadium

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela would have turned 64 on Friday. Coming from a small town in Mexico, Valenzuela helped expand the Dodgers’ fan base to include a large portion of L.A.’s Latino population decades after many members of that community were forced out of their homes in Chavez Ravine to clear the way for Dodger Stadium. “Fernando, popularly known as “El Toro”, …

In Fernando Valenzuela’s hometown, mourning and memories of how ‘The Lefty’ got his start
1 month, 3 weeks ago

In Fernando Valenzuela’s hometown, mourning and memories of how ‘The Lefty’ got his start

LA Times  

In April 1981, four of Fernando Valenzuela’s brothers — Daniel, left, Avelino, Francisco and Manuel Valenzuela — visit the field in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico, where they learned to play baseball. “It’s hard to believe, no?” El Zurdo — “The Lefty” — would be Fernando Valenzuela, the youngest of 12 children from this desert hamlet in northwest Mexico who would corral …

Emotional moment Fernando Valenzuela's grieving family join Dodgers tribute ahead of World Series
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Emotional moment Fernando Valenzuela's grieving family join Dodgers tribute ahead of World Series

Daily Mail  

The Los Angeles Dodgers remembered late team legend, Fernando Valenzuela, ahead of their World Series battle against the New York Yankees Friday night. Valenzuela's mourning family gathered on the field following the team's introductions as the Dodgers paid tribute to their legend ahead of the World Series curtain raiser. Fernando Valenzuela's grieving family joined the Los Angeles Dodgers' tribute to …

Dodgers fans pay tribute to beloved former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Dodgers fans pay tribute to beloved former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela

NPR  

Dodgers fans pay tribute to beloved former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela Fernando Valenzuela, one of the most beloved former pitchers of the Los Angeles Dodgers, died this week. SCOTT SIMON, HOST: First game of one of the most anticipated World Series in memory had an ending for the history books last night - a grand slam - to win the game …

Remembering Fernando Valenzuela: A Legacy That Still Resonates at Dodger Stadium
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Remembering Fernando Valenzuela: A Legacy That Still Resonates at Dodger Stadium

Associated Press  

The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are paying tribute to Fernando Valenzuela ahead of their World Series opener. Valenzuela, who died on Tuesday, was a beloved figure in Dodger Stadium and the Mexican-American community. He won the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, and his legacy continues to live on with the …

Letters to Sports: Fernandomania is sweeping the heavens
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Letters to Sports: Fernandomania is sweeping the heavens

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela has been traded to the Angels. Paul Kessler Los Angeles :: Fernando Valenuela was Mexico’s Shohei Ohtani. Barry Smith Thousand Oaks :: When I was hosting Dodger talk in the 1980s on KABC, I tried to be objective on the club’s play and believe me, not all the players appreciated my honesty. It’s hard to say what athletes …

A Cultural Icon: Remembering Fernando Valenzuela's Impact on Mexican Americans in Baseball
1 month, 4 weeks ago

A Cultural Icon: Remembering Fernando Valenzuela's Impact on Mexican Americans in Baseball

Associated Press  

The article highlights the cultural impact of Fernando Valenzuela, a Mexican-born baseball star who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Valenzuela was a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Latino community, inspiring future generations of athletes. His rise from humble beginnings to stardom in the U.S. was remarkable, and he became a cultural ambassador for Mexican Americans. Valenzuela's impact …

Jaime Jarrín on Fernando Valenzuela: ‘He was so smart. ... He was a marvel, really’
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Jaime Jarrín on Fernando Valenzuela: ‘He was so smart. ... He was a marvel, really’

LA Times  

Hall of Fame Dodgers Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín rose to national prominence when he became Fernando Valenzuela’s interpreter during his rookie season. Sometimes Fernando’s agent Tony DeMarco also came, and we always left a day before the team in order to meet the requests of the press in all the cities. Jaime Jarrín, left, talks to Fernando Valenzuela before a …

Dodgers Dugout: Remembering Fernando Valenzuela
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Dodgers Dugout: Remembering Fernando Valenzuela

LA Times  

Hi, and welcome to another edition of Dodgers Dugout. Fernando Valenzuela started pitching for the Dodgers at the end of the 1980 season, and even though I attended all three season-ending games against the Houston Astros at Dodger Stadium and he pitched in two of those, I sadly don’t remember his appearances at all. The poem was titled “Fernando, the …

Fernando Valenzuela, baseball star who inspired ‘Fernandomania’, dies aged 63
2 months ago

Fernando Valenzuela, baseball star who inspired ‘Fernandomania’, dies aged 63

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our …

Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passes away at 63 days before Los Angeles' return to World Series
2 months ago

Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passes away at 63 days before Los Angeles' return to World Series

Daily Mail  

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela has passed away at age 63, days before his beloved team returns to the World Series to face the New York Yankees. Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63 Valenzuela went from obscurity to superstardom in mid-1981 during 'Fernandomania' Valenzuela played in the major leagues from …

Legendary Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela Passes Away at 63
2 months ago

Legendary Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela Passes Away at 63

Associated Press  

Legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who inspired the term 'Fernandomania,' has died at 63. He won the NL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in 1981 while playing for the Dodgers. Valenzuela's rise from humble beginnings to stardom in the United States was remarkable, and he will be remembered as one of the greatest pitchers of his era.

Remembering Dodgers pitching star Fernando Valenzuela who died at age 63
2 months ago

Remembering Dodgers pitching star Fernando Valenzuela who died at age 63

NPR  

Remembering Dodgers pitching star Fernando Valenzuela who died at age 63 The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Tuesday night that pitching star Fernando Valenzuela has died. Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has died at the age of 63. And for 11 seasons in LA, his very unique pitching style, where he'd look up at the sky right before he …

Fans at Dodger Stadium and around L.A. honor Fernando Valenzuela
2 months ago

Fans at Dodger Stadium and around L.A. honor Fernando Valenzuela

LA Times  

Lifelong Dodger fans Manny Acosta, 59, and his brother, Jose Acosta, 60, sit on Vin Scully Avenue, just feet away from the shrine at the Dodger Stadium sign dedicated to the life of Fernando Valenzuela. Manny Acosta sits in the “Dodger Dodge,” his truck wrapped in Dodger blue featuring the team’s logo and an image of Fernando Valenzuela pitching. “I’m …

The Sports Report: Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63
2 months ago

The Sports Report: Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

LA Times  

Howdy, I’m your host, Houston Mitchell. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.” Continue reading here Plaschke: Fernando Valenzuela was the man who connected L.A. to the Dodgers Hernández: Fernando Valenzuela exuded quiet pride, understated dignity and a high baseball IQ Photos | Remembering the life of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela Latino fans recall the …

Column: Why Fernando Valenzuela’s magic should ensure him a spot in the Hall of Fame
2 months ago

Column: Why Fernando Valenzuela’s magic should ensure him a spot in the Hall of Fame

LA Times  

That was the nickname fans bestowed upon Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela early in his career. Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda played him until his once-powerful left arm hung like a torn rubber band — yet another overworked, underappreciated Mexican in Los Angeles. The Dodgers brought Valenzuela back in 2003 as a color commentator for its Spanish language broadcasts but never leaned …

Photos | Remembering the life of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela
2 months ago

Photos | Remembering the life of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela

LA Times  

Considered one of the greatest pitchers in Dodgers history, Fernando Valenzuela‘s impact stretched beyond a World Series title and his accomplishments on the mound. Dodger pitcher Fernando Valenzuela raises a magnum of champagne after the Dodgers defeated the Houston Astros to clinch the National League West Division title on Oct. 12, 1981. Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela delivers during Game 1 …

Fernando Valenzuela was the man who connected L.A. to the Dodgers
2 months ago

Fernando Valenzuela was the man who connected L.A. to the Dodgers

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela literally roped me into his life. Valenzuela put “Los Angeles” in front of “Dodgers.” He welcomed the many folks that had long felt alienated by the Dodgers’ land-grabbing arrival in 1958. Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela twirls a rope in front of members of the Riata Ranch Cowboys Girls at Dodger Stadium on Oct. 2, 1985. Baseball scout Mike …

Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela, who changed MLB by sparking Fernandomania, dies at 63
2 months ago

Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela, who changed MLB by sparking Fernandomania, dies at 63

LA Times  

His journey from a small town in Mexico to rousing success in Major League Baseball inspired generations of fans and created a seismic shift in the demographics of the Dodgers fan base. “It is the most puzzling, wonderful, rewarding thing I think we’ve seen in baseball in many, many years,” Vin Scully exclaimed on the air after the fifth of …

Unforgettable Fernando Valenzuela and K-Rod were Dodgers’, Angels’ top September call-ups
1 year, 3 months ago

Unforgettable Fernando Valenzuela and K-Rod were Dodgers’, Angels’ top September call-ups

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela raises a bottle of Champagne as the Dodgers celebrate their National League West win against the Houston Astros on Oct. 12, 1981. Fernando Valenzuela, the rookie left-handed pitcher from Etchohuaquila, Mexico, led the Dodgers to a World Series championship and won Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards. Like Valenzuela and the Dodgers, the greatest September call-up …

‘Fernandomania’ lives again at Dodger Stadium with retirement of Valenzuela’s jersey
1 year, 4 months ago

‘Fernandomania’ lives again at Dodger Stadium with retirement of Valenzuela’s jersey

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — “Fernandomania” broke out again 42 years after first taking hold at Dodger Stadium and spreading nationwide. “I never expected it.” Retired pitcher and current broadcaster Orel Hershiser and retired Dodger Manny Mota lifted off a blue cloth to reveal Valenzuela’s number high above the field. Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax, Valenzuela’s catcher Mike Scioscia, Hall of …

Latino fans recall the importance of Fernando’s Dodgers career
1 year, 4 months ago

Latino fans recall the importance of Fernando’s Dodgers career

LA Times  

Enrico Fernando Valenzuela wasn’t named after the legendary pitcher, but he became a Dodgers fan anyway. “He was a gentleman and he treated my dad like he was a king,” Muñoz, whose father passed away last year, said of Valenzuela. “He just means a lot to me.” At precisely 6:34 p.m and accompanied by mariachi, Valenzuela walked onto the field …

Dodgers Dugout: Fernando Valenzuela’s overdue moment is finally here
1 year, 4 months ago

Dodgers Dugout: Fernando Valenzuela’s overdue moment is finally here

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela raises some Champagne as the Dodgers toast their postseason victory against the Houston Astros in 1981. Since this newsletter began way back in 1802, there has been one issue devoted every season to a particular topic: It’s time for the Dodgers to retire Fernando Valenzuela’s number. Recently How the Dodgers have fared the last two weeks : Batting …

The Dodgers have retired Fernando Valenzuela’s number. Does he have a path to Cooperstown?
1 year, 4 months ago

The Dodgers have retired Fernando Valenzuela’s number. Does he have a path to Cooperstown?

LA Times  

For the Dodgers, the No. Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela races catcher Mike Scioscia during the team’s first full workout after the 1981 players’ strike ended on Aug. 1. “But I think Fernando should be in the Hall of Fame because even though his numbers aren’t extraordinary and he didn’t pitch a lot of years, what he did for baseball no …

An unexpected family reunion on a baseball field in Carson
1 year, 5 months ago

An unexpected family reunion on a baseball field in Carson

LA Times  

When Luis Márquez’s wife called him from Mexico and told him that there was a chance he’d be able to see his young son Carlos in a few day, he broke down and cried. Márquez left Jalostotitlan, Jalisco three years ago with the goal of earning enough money “en el norte” to return to his homeland to buy a ranch …

Fernando Valenzuela’s number retirement celebrated by Jaime Jarrín and Julio Urías
1 year, 10 months ago

Fernando Valenzuela’s number retirement celebrated by Jaime Jarrín and Julio Urías

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela throws out the ceremonial first pitch during the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium. “This,” the Dodgers’ recently retired Spanish radio voice said after the team announced it would retire Fernando Valenzuela’s No. They could have done it several years ago.” Dodgers Spanish-language announcer Jaime Jarrín, left, talks to former player and broadcast partner Fernando Valenzuela before …

Dodgers are finally retiring Fernando Valenzuela's number
1 year, 10 months ago

Dodgers are finally retiring Fernando Valenzuela's number

LA Times  

It is more than digits on a uniform, it is a symbol of community, a monument to connection, a deep blue landmark that has long bonded a city and its baseball team. “The single question I get asked more than any other is, ‘When are you going to retire Fernando’s number?’” said Stan Kasten, the Dodgers’ president and chief executive, …

The last wave of Fernandomania played out in Texas, where fans rushed to see a legend
3 years, 2 months ago

The last wave of Fernandomania played out in Texas, where fans rushed to see a legend

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela pitched for the Midland Angels, the Angels’ AA affiliate, in 1991 and drew nearly 6,000 fans to the ballpark. A few days later, in Little Rock, Ark., Valenzuela’s start added $10,000 worth of ticket sales plus a presumed increase from concessions, money that was oxygen for Texas League teams sometimes choked by economic constraints. “We roped off the …

Column: A hearty thank you to Dodgers legend Jaime Jarrín. ‘He made me believe that I belong’
3 years, 2 months ago

Column: A hearty thank you to Dodgers legend Jaime Jarrín. ‘He made me believe that I belong’

LA Times  

When Los Angeles Dodgers Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime Jarrín announced this week that he would retire in 2022 after a 64-year career, the first thing Jose de Jesus Ortiz did was look through his phone. It’s not hyperbole.” Fernandomania event See Jaime Jarrín in person at our 'Fernandomania @ 40' event We invite you to the exclusive finale celebration of ‘Fernandomania …

Fernando Valenzuela has fond memories of his brief stint with the Angels 30 years ago
3 years, 4 months ago

Fernando Valenzuela has fond memories of his brief stint with the Angels 30 years ago

LA Times  

Fernando Valenzuela throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 12, 1991, in his second and last appearance with the Angels. “There was a lot of expectation for what I was going to do.” Thirty years later, Valenzuela’s tenure with the Angels is nothing more than a footnote in franchise history. “If his name was Fernando O’Brien, we still …

The Times podcast: Why Fernandomania still matters
3 years, 6 months ago

The Times podcast: Why Fernandomania still matters

LA Times  

Listen to this episode of The Times: Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google In 1981, Los Angeles Dodgers rookie pitcher Fernando Valenzuela uncorked a full-fledged revolution. Baseball, Los Angeles, Latinos, sports — none have been the same since Valenzuela dominated batters four decades ago. Even if you don’t like sports, even if you’re a Yankees fan or — heaven …

Why Fernando Valenzuela should be in Baseball Hall of Fame
3 years, 8 months ago

Why Fernando Valenzuela should be in Baseball Hall of Fame

LA Times  

Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela delivers during a win over the Philadelphia Phillies on May 23, 1984. Sports Celebrating the legacy of Fernandomania 40 years later ‘Fernandomania @ 40’ is a multi-episode documentary series that examines star pitcher Fernando Valenzuela’s impact on the Dodgers, Major League Baseball and the Latino community in Los Angeles 40 years ago. Longtime Spanish-language broadcaster Jaime …

40 years after Fernandomania, Fernando Valenzuela still icon
3 years, 8 months ago

40 years after Fernandomania, Fernando Valenzuela still icon

LA Times  

If you were a young Mexican Catholic boy growing up in 1980s Southern California, your family taught you at least three gestures based on the Holy Cross. Former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela looks skyward during his windup, a delivery he made famous in the 1980s. They didn’t want to “lanzar como Fernando” — throw like Fernando — the way my …

Adrian Gonzalez is back. He’s a Mariachi. An aspiring Olympian, too
3 years, 8 months ago

Adrian Gonzalez is back. He’s a Mariachi. An aspiring Olympian, too

LA Times  

Former Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, shown hitting a home run in the 2016 playoffs, last played in the major leagues in 2018 for the New York Mets. The five-time all-star announced Tuesday that he had signed with the expansion Guadalajara Mariachis of the Mexican League, giving the new team a marquee attraction and giving Gonzalez a place to train …

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