Freddie Freeman, Dave Roberts Honor Fernando Valenzuela After Dodgers World Series Win
Three days before Game 1 of the World Series, the Dodgers community suffered a devastating loss. Legendary Los Angeles pitcher and broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela died on Oct. 22 at age 63.
The standout pitcher shined from the moment he stepped on the Major League mound. He became the first player in history to win Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young award in the same season. Adding to his rookie resume, Valenzuela helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series against the New York Yankees.
“He brought Fernandomania, and it was electric,” Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “I obviously wasn’t alive during that, but to see what he meant to so many people being around him the last three years, I wish he was here.”
Valenzuela helped mend the strained relationship between the Dodgers and the Mexican-American community caused by the controversial construction of Dodgers Stadium on the Chavez Ravine. He also became one of the first Mexican MLB players, which attracted Latin American fans to baseball.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Freeman said about Valenzuela’s impact. “My stepmom is from Los Angeles. She grew up watching Fernando. What Fernando means to the city of Los Angeles, and not just Los Angeles, to baseball fans around the world, I would assume.”
The Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the World Series as if the stars had aligned to honor the Mexican-American pitcher.
“I’m glad he’s up there probably with my mom and jumping up and down right now,” Freeman said. “I’m glad we were able to bring it home.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had a special connection with Valenzuela, making this World Series a bittersweet victory.
“It’s going to be emotional. Fernando was a friend of mine,” Roberts said. “I know he’s smiling right now and very proud of this organization. So he’s going to be missed. I’m sure it’s something that he would want to have been a part of, but it’s going to be emotional for all of us.”
Photo Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
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