Dodgers announce plans to honor Fernando Valenzuela during World Series

Aug 11, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela (34) speaks during a news conference prior to his jersey retirement ceremony at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced plans to honor Fernando Valenzuela after the legendary pitcher died on Tuesday.

The Dodgers revealed Thursday that they will wear special uniform patches with Valenzuela’s name and No. 34 on them. The patches will be worn during the upcoming World Series against the New York Yankees, and will remain throughout the 2025 season as well.

In memory of our hero Fernando Valenzuela, the Dodgers will wear this uniform patch during the World Series and throughout the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/7HozGMf2Tr

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 24, 2024

Valenzuela died on Tuesday, and the news was met with an outpouring of grief from Dodgers fans and baseball fans in general. His rookie season of 1981 took the city by storm and made him an icon, and he wound up winning the NL Cy Young Award as part of a World Series campaign.

The Dodgers open the World Series at home against the Yankees on Friday. It’s safe to assume the Dodgers will mark Valenzuela’s passing in some way prior to the game as well.