Fans Create Impromptu Memorial at Entrance of Dodger Stadium for Fernando Valenzuela

ELYSIAN PARK, LOS ANGELES, Oct. 23 (KNN) — Fans of legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela came to pay their respects at the main entrance to Dodger Stadium after his passing late Tuesday evening.

Diego, who came to the impromptu memorial, spoke to KNN on camera and said Valenzuela was one of his idols and the reason why he plays baseball. Diego said his father was also a big fan.

Major League Baseball posted to X Tuesday evening: “‘Fernandomania’ swept through baseball in 1981 when the 20-year-old rookie sensation began the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA. The lefthander capped off his incredible year by winning both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards while helping lead Los Angeles to a World Series title.

Valenzuela pitched 17 Major League seasons, was a 6-time All-Star, and has the most wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) of any Mexican-born pitcher.

He spent the last 22 years as a Spanish language broadcaster for the Dodgers, who retired his No. 34 in 2023.”

Fans brought mainly flowers, candles and hats to lay on the ground below the stadium’s entrance sign.

Gabriel Pabon, Video Journalist / KNN