Fernando Valenzuela and why the Dodgers retired number 34 forever

“El Toro” died on October 22 at the age of 63, but left a great sporting legacy

Fernando Valenzuela, the “Toro”, was more than just a pitcher; he was a cultural phenomenon that transcended the borders of baseball. Now, the Mexican will remain forever in the history of the sport, as he died at the age of 63 in the city of Los Angeles, where he was hospitalized for several weeks.

Valenzuela’s importance for world baseball lies in being a true inspiration for pitchers, especially Latinos. His success opened the doors to other talented players of Hispanic origin, and thanks to him more people began to be interested in the so-called “king of sports.

” He played for the Dodgers during the 80s, and became a true legend, where, among other achievements, he was the second player in history to have a perfect game. That is, throughout a game he did not allow a single hit or a single base run by his opponents.

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Baseball is in mourning, after the death of the "Toro" was announced, who was in the hospital in recent weeks

With the Dodgers, Fernando Valenzuela managed to win the World Series on two occasions, in addition to being consecrated with the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in 1981. He also participated in the All-Star Game and took home two Silver Bats that are only given to the best offensive players. Enough to be considered a legend, which brought a special tribute to him, removing the number that he historically used.

Why was the number 34 retired from the Dodgers roster?

On August 9, 2024, the Dodgers announced that a very special tribute would be paid to one of their great legends, the Mexican Fernando Valenzuela. During a ceremony with the former player present, it was reported that his jersey number, 34, would be permanently retired from the roster. That is, no one will be able to wear it anymore.

The events took place during a game between the Dodgers and the Rockies, when “El Toro” was in the Los Angeles City Council. That day, it was also announced that every August 11, “Fernando Valenzuela Day” will be celebrated locally for the entire city.

During the events, Hall of Fame narrator Jaime Jarrín considered that Fernando Valenzuela “created more baseball and Dodgers fans than any other player.” He added that thanks to him, people began to fall in love with baseball, especially among the Mexican community in the United States.

Where was Fernando Valenzuela immortalized?

That’s not all, the number 34 also appears in left field at Dodger Stadium, where the Wall of Legends is located. Other numbers that can be seen are 1, 2, 4, 14, 19, 20, 24, 32, 39, 42, 53, which correspond to the following historical players of the Los Angeles team:

• Pee Wee Reese (#1)

• Tommy Lasorda (#2)

• Duke Snider (#4)

• Gil Hodges (#14)

• Jim Gilliam (#19)

• Don Sutton (#20)

• Walter Alston (#24)

• Sandy Koufax (#32)

• Roy Campanella (#39)

• Jackie Robinson (#42)

• Don Drysdale (#53)

In this regard, Valenzuela said that it is a great honor to be on a wall and in the history of the team alongside great legends of the sport, not only of the team, and it is no small thing that among so many years of baseball history, there are few players immortalized.

“For the fans - the support they’ve given me as a player and working for the Dodgers - this is for them, too. I’m happy for all the fans and all the people who have followed my career. They’re going to be very excited to know that my number 34 is going to be retired,” he said.

Nota publicada originalmente en el Heraldo de México