Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican-born Dodgers legend who inspired thousands of Latinos to become Dodgers fans, will be remembered at a funeral service Wednesday in downtown L.A.
A Mass is set to take place at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady. The funeral is open to the public but space is limited. The Mass is also available to stream online.
Valenzuela died last month at the age of 63 just days before what would have been his 64th birthday on Nov. 1. That same day, the Dodgers celebrated their World Series win with a victory parade.
Valenzuela made his mark as a pitcher and debuted at 19 on the mound for the Dodgers. His pitching performance during his 1981 rookie season helped cultivate a legion of new fans for the team, and that year became known as Fernandomania.
At the young age of 20, Valenzuela helped his team win the World Series against the New York Yankees and became the first player to win the Cy Young award and Rookie of the Year in the same season.
He would play 11 seasons with the Dodgers before retiring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1997. Valenzuela became a Spanish-language announcer for the Dodgers in 2003 andstepped down shortly before his death.
Boyle Heights artist Robert Vargas unveiled a mural honoring the late Valenzuela on Sunday. The artwork was painted on the side of the Boyle Heights Apartments, roughly a block west of Mariachi Plaza, and stretches over 50 feet.
People who plan to attend the Mass are advised to use public transportation or ride-share services as no parking is available at the Cathedral parking structure.
