Why the Dodgers are Wearing Black Patches on Their World Series Jerseys
A Tribute to the Late Fernando Valenzuela
The 2024 World Series gets underway Friday evening, kickstarting a star-studded matchup between two of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises: the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The first pitch of Game 1 will take place tomorrow evening at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, though viewers will likely notice something extra on the Dodgers’ home uniforms.
A Symbol of Respect and Tribute
The Dodgers will be donning circular black patches that read “Fernando 34” in honor of the late Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away from liver cancer Tuesday at the age of 63. This gesture is a symbol of respect and tribute to the legendary pitcher, who played a pivotal role in the franchise’s history.
Fernando Valenzuela: A Baseball Icon
Valenzuela is the lone Dodger to have his number retired by the franchise without also being a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and with good reason. Debuting in September 1980 at the age of 19, Valenzuela took the league and Los Angeles region by storm in 1981, posting a 13-7 record with a 2.48 ERA across 25 starts in a tantalizing rookie campaign that included eight complete game shutouts.
A Hall of Famer in Heart and Mind
Valenzuela went on to win both the NL Cy Young Award and NL Rookie of the Year award before leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship, against none other than the Yankees. His sudden emergence as one of baseball’s elite pitchers ignited unforeseen excitement among fans in Southern California and throughout Latin America, earning him the nickname “Fernandomania.”
A Legacy That Inspires
Born in Mexico, Valenzuela emerged as one of the first MLB stars from the country, proving to be incredibly influential to baseball’s popularity growth in the region. Throughout his 17-year career, Valenzuela played for six teams, but 11 of those seasons were spent with the Dodgers.
A Statistician’s Dream
As of the end of the 2024 season, Valenzuela ranks among the franchise’s all-time top 10 rankings in several different statistical categories, including wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, and complete game shutouts. These achievements solidify his place in Dodgers history, making him a beloved figure in the organization.
Conclusion
The Dodgers’ decision to wear black patches with “Fernando 34” is a heartwarming gesture, paying tribute to a baseball icon who left an indelible mark on the game. His contributions to the franchise and the sport as a whole will never be forgotten, and this small token of respect is a testament to his enduring legacy.
FAQs
* Why are the Dodgers wearing black patches on their World Series jerseys?
The Dodgers are honoring the late Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away from liver cancer at the age of 63, by wearing black patches with “Fernando 34” on their World Series jerseys.
* Who is Fernando Valenzuela?
Fernando Valenzuela is a former MLB pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1980 to 1990 and is the franchise’s only player with his number retired (34) without being a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
* Why is Fernando Valenzuela important to the Dodgers and baseball’s history?
Valenzuela is important because of his incredible rookie season in 1981, which included eight complete game shutouts, earning him the NL Cy Young Award and NL Rookie of the Year award. He also led the Dodgers to a World Series championship and inspired a new generation of fans in Southern California and Latin America.
