The Los Angeles Dodgers will retire the No. 34 jersey of Fernando Valenzuela, one of the most popular pitchers in the team’s history, the team announced Saturday.
The jersey retirement will take place during a three-day celebration starting August 11 when the team hosts the Colorado Rockies.
Valenzuela made an immediate impact with the Dodgers in 1981, winning the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, inspiring “Fernandomania” as the Dodgers won the World Series.
He went on to be selected to six All-Star teams in his 11 seasons with the Dodgers, earning another World Series ring in 1988. Valenzuela’s 41.4 WAR is the highest of any Mexican-born player in baseball history.
His No. 34 will be displayed in left field, along such other Dodger greats such as Sandy Koufax, Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale and Jackie Robinson. Robinson’s No. 42 is retired across Major League Baseball.
“To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor,” said Valenzuela in a statement. “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.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: LA Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela will have No. 34 retired in 2023
