The celebration of the Fernandomanía Weekend continued on Saturday at Dodger Stadium with Fernando Valenzuela enjoying himself with his family in a more relaxed and casual way compared to the ceremony and other events on Friday.
Unlike Friday, “El Toro” did not wear a suit and walked the lawn before the Dodgers game and as if attracted by a magnet, which by nature prowled the mound that immortalized him and made him a legend.
The Dodgers announced in February that they would retire Valenzuela’s number 34, despite failing to meet the Los Angeles club’s requirements to proceed with the honor. However, Valenzuela became only the second player to achieve it and now the number poses for him in the stands of Dodger Stadium.
His granddaughters Luna, Tatiana and Athena were in charge of the first pitch and his friend Carlos took the microphone to announce that it was time for the Dodgers to play: “It’s time for Dodger Baseball”. The Dodgers hosted the Colorado Rockies in front of 52,515 fans.
At least 40,000 fans received a commemorative bobblehead from the legendary left-handed pitcher from Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico.
“He is a person who has opened many doors for many players, who have entered and for being a strong person, with a lot of talent,” said Alfonso Rojas Jr., a fan who went to Dodger Stadium with his father for the second day of celebration. They are from Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, and residents of Bakersfield. “That is why we are here, to support Latino people, Latino talent and obviously we are here enjoying ourselves. It is a well-deserved celebration.”
During the Dodgers game, images on the big screens projected congratulatory messages to Valenzuela, as did Mexican LAFC superstar Carlos Vela.
Vela wished his compatriot the best and congratulated him on celebrating the retirement of his number.
The Mexican brothers Adrián and David Segovia took advantage of their vacation visit to Los Angeles to visit the Chavez Ravine property and join the celebration of the Fernandomanía Weekend on its second day.
“It’s classic to come here when you visit Los Angeles, you have to come to the stadium,” David said. “Baseball is Valenzuela, it is the reference.”
For Adrián, ‘El Toro’ represented much more than just a good sportsman.
“It is also part of the culture, in what represents the Latino and in baseball, in sports,” added Adrián. “Julio Urías is now following in his footsteps well.”
2023-08-13 03:11:33
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