9 months after his demise, Fernando Valenzuela stands immortalized in a brand new mural on the loge‑degree wall at Dodger Stadium — a vibrant fusion of artwork and legacy unveiled Saturday.
Painted by Mexican American artist Robert Vargas, the mural exhibits Valenzuela tipping his cap to the sky in a Dodgers Mexican‑heritage jersey — that includes a inexperienced sleeve, crimson sleeve, white heart — alongside two hanging photographs of Valenzuela in his pitching stance. Vargas stated the mural is supposed to represent unity inside the Latino neighborhood.
“I felt it very important to show that the Latino community has a place within these walls and has had a place within these walls,” Vargas stated.
He wished to mirror Valenzuela’s spirit that also lives within the hearts of many followers and have the person behind the participant.
For 34.
Previous to tonight’s sport, the Dodgers unveiled a mural devoted to Fernando Valenzuela within the Left Area Loge Terrace. His household and former teammates additionally joined the disclosing. pic.twitter.com/Kn4W1yze9L
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) July 20, 2025
“What he did in the community, is what resonates so much more for me than just the player — but the man, the person that he was,” Vargas stated.
Valenzuela performed for the Dodgers from 1980 to 1990. He grew up in Etchohuaquila, a small city in Mexico, and took Main League Baseball by storm in 1981, incomes rookie of the 12 months and Cy Younger honors. Latino followers who beforehand felt little connection to the Dodgers had been thrilled to see one among their very own profitable, sparking Fernandomania. Valenzuela wore No. 34 and it stays a well-liked jersey worn by followers at Dodger Stadium.
Claudio Campo choked up as he gazed on the tribute. Touring from Phoenix together with his son to have fun the boy’s eleventh birthday, Campo shared reminiscences of a participant whose greatness felt deeply private. Valenzuela’s nickname, “El Toro,” are inked on Campo’s left arm.
“He was a staple for the people that didn’t have anything and then where he came from showed that anything is possible if you go ahead and revive what you are,” Claudio stated.
Followers holding Valenzuela bobbleheads given away by the Dodgers took their footage in entrance of the brand new mural Saturday evening.
Longtime fan Dulce Gonzalez held again emotion as she confirmed off her shirt with the identify “Valenzuela” written throughout it, describing the explanation she began watching baseball.
“He was the first Latino player I could truly connect with and be proud of,” she stated.
For Gonzalez, Valenzuela’s story resonated as a result of he got here from the identical roots, providing illustration she had longed for.
“We are a melting pot of races here, people love baseball from all races, but because I am Latina, I feel a little bit more connected,” she stated.
Her son, Nicolas, wearing a crimson and inexperienced Dodgers Mexican-heritage jersey, stated Valenzuela helped heal some wounds after Mexican American households had been displaced from their houses in Chavez Ravine shortly earlier than Dodger Stadium was constructed on the identical land.
“He really opened the city up to the Dodgers after a long difficult entry and he really represented triumph over adversity,” Nicolas stated.
