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Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher and broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela passed in October, but his legacy prevails to this day.
The Dodgers icon played 17 seasons in MLB from 1980-91 and 1993-97. Although he played for six different clubs, he spent the most time with the Dodgers.
In Los Angeles, he became the first player to win Rookie of the Year and a Cy Young in the same season.
Dodgers Nation’s Antonio Curiel highlights Valenzuela’s mural in Boyle Heights, where fans expressed how influential “Fernandomania” was for the city of Los Angeles.
Edward James Olmos, an actor and activist, detailed the history of Valenzuela’s impact on both the community and Dodgers organization.
“Fernando brought about a big change to this community,” Olmos told Curiel. “Before Fernando came to play, Chicanos especially would not go to the stadium because of what had happened in Chavez Ravine. He did an awful lot for the unification of the city.”
Valenzuela is credited with popularizing the game of baseball among Mexican-American fans. “El Toro” became a hero to many Latino fans and paved the way for other Mexican players to reach the majors.
For many Mexican fans, Valenzuela was the first familiar face they could follow with the Dodgers.
“I felt like he was part of the family,” said longtime Dodgers fan Juan Saldana.
To watch the full video, click here.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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