Over the weekend, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a big announcement.
The team revealed that they would be retiring left-hander Fernando Valenzuela‘s iconic No. 34 jersey.
The 62-year-old pitched the vast majority of his career with the Dodgers, spending 11 seasons in Dodger Blue.
Over those 11 seasons, Valenzuela won 141 games and posted an ERA of 3.31.
He also was a Cy Young, a six-time All-Star, a Gold Glover, a Rookie of the Year, a Major League Player of the Year, and a two-time Silver Slugger over the course of his 17-year career.
This morning, MLB analysts Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds reflected on the dominance of Valenzuela and what he meant to not only the Dodgers organization, but the baseball world as a whole.
No @Dodgers player will ever wear #34 again come August!
Harold and Matty V. reflect on Fernando Valenzuela's dominance while pitching in Dodger Blue. #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/PDaNLfAgIR
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 6, 2023
What made Valenzuela so special was his journey to the big leagues, as Reynolds alluded to.
The left-hander was somewhat overlooked in his early days, but quickly burst onto the scene and began to dominate.
Over his first eight MLB starts, the left-hander was undefeated and posted a 0.50 ERA in 72 innings pitched.
His dominance in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series was also talked about.
In that game, Valenzuela threw 147 pitches against the New York Yankees en route to a complete-game shutout.
That year, the star left-hander won his Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards.
Strangely enough, Valenzuela is not in the Hall of Fame, as he never got close 75% of the vote, which is required to enter the Hall.
Still, his career was legendary and should not be overlooked as he receives this tremendous honor from the Dodgers.
NEXT: Dodgers Outfielder Joins Team Great Britain For WBC
