LOS ANGELES (AP) — Fernando Valenzuela was on the minds of the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees before Friday’s opener of the World Series between the storied franchises. An informal memorial at a sign welcoming fans to Dodger Stadium that popped up soon after the pitcher's death on Tuesday was still going strong three days later. Large blue-and-white floral arrangements, including "34" representing his jersey number, were propped on the corner near the entrance to the stadium.
A video highlighting Valenzuela's career opened the pregame ceremonies. A mariachi group from his native state of Sonora in Mexico played as photos from his career flashed on the videoboards. The mix of guitars, trumpets and violins grew from somber to upbeat.
Ballpark flags were lowered to half-staff. During a moment of silence, fans chanted “Fernando!” in Valenzuela's honor before the first pitch. Some wore sombreros.
Orel Hershiser and Steve Yeager, former teammates of Valenzuela, didn't throw the ceremonial first pitch. Instead, Hershiser placed the ball on the back of the mound, where No. 34 was etched.
Valenzuela's wife, Linda, and their four children joined manager Dave Roberts as the Dodgers lined up along third base before the national anthem performed by Brad Paisley. Fans crowded around a large white wallboard to write messages in remembrance. The Dodgers are wearing a No.
34 patch on their uniform sleeves during the World Series and the 2025 season. “If there’s two peopl.
