After celebrating the Dodgers upon their World Series title with a parade and an event at Dodger Stadium, City Hall was lit up Friday evening in blue and Mexico’s colors of green, white and red to honor the late Fernando Valenzuela.
The City Council recently approved a resolution marking Nov. 1 as “Fernando Valenzuela Day,” in honor of the Dodger legend’s birthday. Valenzuela, who died on Oct. 19, would have turned 64 Friday.
Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de León presented the resolution on Oct. 23 with support from several of his colleagues.
“The tribute will celebrate Valenzuela’s enduring legacy as a champion who represented Latinos with immense pride and dignity,” according to a statement from de León’s office.
Valenzuela joined the Dodgers in 1980, and inspired what became known as “Fernandomania” the following year. In 1981 he become the only player to receive the National League Rookie of the Year Award and Cy Young Award in the same season.
He was also named to six All-Star teams, threw a no-hitter in 1990 and won a Gold Glove Award in his career.
“Fernando’s contributions to the game of baseball were matched only by his contributions to the city of Los Angeles, where he remains an icon of perseverance, humility, and cultural pride, helping to elevate the visibility of the Latino community and a beacon for future generations of diverse backgrounds,” the resolution said.
Additionally, the lighting will mark the beginning of “Dodgers Weekend,” his office added, culminating with an unveiling of a mural honoring the beloved Dodger.
Artist Robert Vargas created the six-story mural of Valenzuela, which is located at First Street at the Hollywood (101) Freeway entrance in Boyle Heights.