A Long-Awaited Honor for Fernando Valenzuela
In 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally retired Fernando Valenzuela’s number 34, marking a significant milestone 42 years after the legendary season of Fernandomania and 26 years after his last major league pitch. While the Dodgers typically reserve the honor of number retirement for players who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, the decision to recognize Valenzuela is a testament to the profound impact he had on the sport and the community. On Sunday, a committee will vote on whether Valenzuela should be admitted to the Hall of Fame, providing another opportunity to right a longstanding oversight.
The Legacy of Fernandomania
Fernando Valenzuela’s impact on baseball transcends mere statistics. The shy, 20-year-old Mexican pitcher burst onto the scene in 1981, capturing the hearts of fans with his unique pre-pitch routine and an unbeatable start to his rookie season. Valenzuela won his first eight consecutive games, including seven complete games and five shutouts. This phenomenal performance gave birth to Fernandomania, a phenomenon that united people from all walks of life and transformed the Dodgers’ fan base. As Jaime Jarrín, a Dodgers Hall of Fame broadcaster, noted, “He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. What Fernando did for baseball, very few have done.”
A Transformative Force for the Dodgers and Beyond
Before Valenzuela’s arrival, the Dodgers faced a significant challenge in Los Angeles. The construction of Dodger Stadium displaced three Latino neighborhoods, and many residents felt a deep sense of betrayal. However, Valenzuela’s performance and demeanor changed everything. His presence drew unprecedented crowds, with nearly half of the city’s television sets tuned to his starts. The impact was not limited to Los Angeles; fans from across the country and beyond flocked to see him pitch. “He captured the imagination of everyone,” said Peter O’Malley, the Dodgers’ owner from 1979 to 1998. Valenzuela’s influence extended to international baseball, paving the way for greater global interest and participation in the sport.
A Compelling Statistical Case
While Valenzuela’s statistical achievements may not match those of pitchers like Sandy Koufax or Clayton Kershaw, they are nonetheless impressive. According to Baseball Reference, Valenzuela’s 3.54 ERA is better than 11 pitchers in the Hall of Fame, including Jack Morris, who was elected by a similar committee. Valenzuela was a workhorse, a Cy Young Award winner, and a six-time All-Star. His postseason performance, with a career ERA of 1.98, is particularly noteworthy, outshining Morris’s 3.80. These numbers, while not dominating, highlight Valenzuela’s consistency and excellence on the mound.
Beyond the Numbers: A Cultural Icon
To fully appreciate Valenzuela’s candidacy, one must consider his cultural and social impact. He brought the Latino community into Dodger Stadium and the sport of baseball, helping to grow the Dodgers’ Latino fan base from a small percentage to nearly half of their supporters. His influence extended to international baseball, making it a more prominent topic in league meetings. The 16-person committee, which includes Hall of Famers, team owners, and former executives, should recognize Valenzuela’s role in breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive and global baseball community.
A Worthy Inductee
Fernando Valenzuela’s election to the Hall of Fame would be a fitting tribute to his legacy and the influence he had on the sport. He transformed the Dodgers, united a city, and opened doors for players from Mexico and other countries. As Jarrín emphasized, “A whole nation is very aware of the Hall of Fame. I’m sure they would declare a holy day on the day Fernando gets in.” Valenzuela’s story is not just about his on-field achievements but about his role in shaping the fabric of baseball and the communities it serves. It is never too late to do the right thing, and inducting Fernando Valenzuela into the Hall of Fame is a step towards acknowledging and honoring his extraordinary contributions.
