Dodgers to retire Fernando Valenzuela’s No. 34 in August

LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 19: Fernando Valenzuela prepares to throw out the first pitch during the 2022 MLB All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
By The Athletic Staff
Feb 4, 2023

The Los Angeles Dodgers will retire Fernando Valenzuela’s No. 34 in August, the organization announced Saturday. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Valenzuela pitched for Los Angeles from 1980 to 1990,  tallying 141 wins and a 3.31 ERA while making six All-Star teams and winning the 1981 Cy Young Award as a 20-year-old rookie.
  • His number will be retired during a three-day celebration from Aug. 11-13 the team is dubbing “Fernandomania” weekend.
  • Valenzuela ranks sixth in Dodgers’ history in wins and top-five in strikeouts, innings, starts, complete games and shutouts.

What they’re saying

“To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor,” Valenzuela said in a team press release. “But also for the fans — the support they’ve given me as a player and working for the Dodgers, this is also for them. 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 No. 34 is being retired.”

Anzeige

Valenzuela’s No. 34 will be the 12th number retired by the team, joining Pee Wee Reese, Tommy Lasorda, Duke Snider, Gil Hodges, Jim Gilliam, Don Sutton, Walter Alston, Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella, Jackie Robinson and Don Drysdale. Hall of Fame broadcasters Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrín are also honored by the team.

“I am incredibly happy that number 34 for the Los Angeles Dodgers will be retired forever,” said Stan Kasten, Dodger President & CEO. “The one question that I continuously get asked, more than anything else, is about retiring Fernando Valenzuela’s number. The citywide call by our fans to honor him is truly remarkable. What he accomplished during his playing career, not only on the field but in the community, is extraordinary. He truly lit up the imaginations of baseball fans everywhere. It’s hard to envision a player having a greater impact on a fan base then the one Fernando has had.”

Required reading

(Photo: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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