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Dodgers: Top Three Most Beloved Dodgers of All-Time
By Hector Ponce
Number 1: Fernando Valenzuela
Scully and Lasorda both made a connection with the fans in Los Angeles. Valenzuela did the exact same thing, however, he did it at a much deeper level. The connection between Lasorda or Scully and the fans took time to develop into what it is today. The connection between Fernando and Los Angeles was instantaneous. Fernandomania took fans and the city by storm.
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Fernando immediately became a fan favorite upon his debut. With a very heavy Latino fan base present in Los Angeles, it is no surprise that Valenzuela became a local hero in a matter of weeks. Fans packed the Chavez Ravine just to get a glimpse of the young Mexican southpaw. Not only was he an instant favorite because of his background, but also because he was absolutely dealing on the mound.
In his first full season with the Dodgers as a 20-year-old, Valenzuela found himself pitching in and winning a World Series. His rookie season, he earned the Rookie of the Year, a Silver Slugger, a top 5 finish in MVP voting, an all-star appearance and a Cy Young award. It is easy to see why fans loved him. He was electric. His unorthodox “look to the sky” windup will forever be imitated by fans.
Three bold pitcher and catcher predictions. dark. Next
It wasn’t just that he was good. It was that the Latino fan base of the Dodger finally had someone that they could relate to. He was just a kid Navojoa, Mexico and out of nowhere, he is an instant sensation. Fans had the Latino idol they had longed for and he helped win them their first title in over 15 years. Now he is a mainstay in the community and his broadcasting accolades only further the adoration fans have for him.