Los Angeles will come together to honor the memory of a sports legend on Wednesday. A public funeral Mass for the late Fernando Valenzuela, an icon of the Dodgers, is scheduled at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. ABC7 reports that the 10 a.m. Mass will be open to the public on a first-come basis, with a viewing area set up outside on the plaza to accommodate any overflow, capacity permitting.
Fernando Valenzuela, who became a household name and spurned the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania”, passed away on October 22 at the age of 63. The beloved left-handed pitcher won both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in 1981, a feat still unmatched to this day. Valenzuela’s impact resonated strongly throughout his career, not only on the field but also as a cherished Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers. CBS News Los Angeles noted how “El Toro” became an enduring part of the Los Angeles community and a bridge between generations of Dodger fans.
Given the absence of parking availability at the cathedral, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has encouraged attendees to consider public transportation or ridesharing services. The cathedral’s website and YouTube channel will also provide live-streaming options for those unable to attend in person. During his lifetime, Valenzuela was as much a symbol of determination and passion as he was a pillar for the Latino community that fervently supported him. As detailed by ABC7, his legacy will be honored with the Dodgers’ decision to don a No. 34 patch through the 2025 season.
The memorial activities will include a viewing area outside in the Cathedral Plaza, a move made necessary due to space constraints within the cathedral itself. Throughout the years, Valenzuela’s contribution to baseball particularly to the Los Angeles Dodgers had been profound. Since his death, memorials such as a mural in Boyle Heights and floral tributes at Dodger Stadium have appeared, commemorating the man who embodied the spirit of the game for so many. This follows the sentiment expressed by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts who once stated, “If there’s two people that probably impacted this organization most, I think you would say Jackie Robinson and Fernando Valenzuela,” as quoted in an ABC7 interview.
Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Leave a Reply