Fernando Valenzuela Mural Unveiled in Boyle Heights

LOS ANGELES, CA — A six-story mural of the late Dodger pitching star Fernando Valenzuela was unveiled Sunday in Boyle Heights, two days after the 64th anniversary of his birth.

"This mural is all about representation," Robert Vargas, who painted the mural, said at the ceremony unveiling it at the First Street on-ramp to the Hollywood (101) Freeway. "As an artist, we have an opportunity and responsibility to bridge these cultures... Bringing people together is what it's all about. I hope I did right by Fernando Valenzuela's family."

Councilman Kevin de León, whose 14th District includes Boyle Heights, previously said the location "represents the heart of the community Valenzuela inspired throughout his career."

Emmy-winning actor Edward James Olmos said at the ceremony that Valenzuela "deserves all of our love and all of our passion. He was the single most important factor for the Latinos" to watch the Dodgers play.

Valenzuela died Oct. 19 at age 63. The cause has not been disclosed. Murals have popped up around the city in testament to his impact on the community.

The Dodgers purchased Valenzuela's contract from Leones de Yucatan of the Mexican League on July 6, 1979, and assigned him to their Class-A California League affiliate in Lodi.

Valenzuela was taught to throw his famed screwball by Dodger pitcher Bobby Castillo following the 1979 season. Armed with the new pitch, Valenzuela led the Texas League in strikeouts in 1980.

Valenzuela made his major league debut at age 19 with the Dodgers on Sept. 15, 1980, throwing 17 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run for the remainder of the season.

When Jerry Reuss pulled a leg muscle 24 hours before his scheduled opening day start in 1981 and Burt Hooton wasn't ready to fill in, Valenzuela became the Dodgers opening day starter, pitching a five-hit shutout in a 2-0 victory over the defending National League West champion Houston Astros.

He then went on an unprecedented career-opening run, with complete games in his first eight career starts -- five of them shutouts -- and a 0.50 ERA, inspiring what would be dubbed "Fernandomania."

Valenzuela became the only player to win the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season in 1981.

The Dodgers won the World Series over the New York Yankees in six games in 1981, with Valenzuela winning Game 3 at Dodger Stadium after the team had lost the first two games in New York. Valenzuela was also on the Dodgers team that won the World Series in 1988 over the Oakland A's.

Valenzuela was a six-time All Star with the Dodgers, won a Gold Glove Award in 1986 and Silver Slugger Awards in 1981 and 1983.

He pitched a no-hitter in 1990, immortalized by Vin Scully's call, "If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky."

After being released by the Dodgers in 1991, Valenzuela pitched for the Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals. He was 173-153 and had a 3.54 ERA in a 17-season major league career that ended in 1997.

Valenzuela was a Dodger broadcaster from 2003 until his death.

City News Service