“Fernando Valenzuela reshaped Los Angeles fan base” - Former MLB star reflects on late Dodgers' legacy ahead of World Series vs Yankees

The MLB is mourning the loss of six-time All-Star Fernando Valenzuela, who died at 63 years old on Tuesday. The Mexican pitcher was a dominant force during his 17-year career in the majors, known for his unorthodox style and frequent use of the rarely employed screwball pitch.

Following the news of Fernando Valenzuela's passing, a number of current and former players and coaches reflected on the legacy of the former Dodgers superstar. One such former player was Eduardo Perez, who spoke on MLB Network Radio about the impact that the Mexican pitcher had on the game and the city of Los Angeles.

This also included his impact on the Dodgers during the 1981 season, which happened to be the last time the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers played against one another in the World Series.

"Tommy Lasorda called upon a young, Mexican pitcher, who had had a few relief appearances the year before and said "you're starting" and he said "okay." And he dealt and he dealt all year, he dealt consecutively, and he changed what I think is the fanbase in L.A. for the better," Perez said of Valenzuela's impact as a rookie.

"He's the guy in 1981 who reshaped the fanbase in L.A. with Fernandomania, looking up into the sky, pitching, dominating complete games and shutouts. The crowd going nuts, the 'Viva Mexico' and the 'Viva Fernando."

A true journeyman, Valenzuela played for six different clubs. However, he established himself as a true superstar with the Los Angeles Dodgers. During his 11 seasons with the Dodgers, he established himself as one of baseball's top pitchers, winning a Cy Young Award at the age of 20.

There is no denying what Fernando Valenzuela brought to the table as a rookie pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He posted an impressive 2.48 ERA with 180 strikeouts over 192.1 innings of work in the 1981 season, winning both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Award in the NL. The starter put together the best season of his career. That being said, his more important impact may have come off the field.

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Fernando Valenzuela starred for the Dodgers in their last World Series matchup against the Yankees

Valenzuela's passing comes only days before the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are about to begin the 2024 World Series. The last time that this happened for the two teams came in 1981, with Valenzeula playing a significant role for the club throughout the postseason.

Through his 5 starts during the 1981 postseason, Fernando Valenzuela posted an impressive 3-1 record with a 2.21 ERA over 40.2 innings of work. It would have been a special moment for the legendary pitcher to witness another World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers.