Dodgers' World Series parade plan is one perfect final tribute to Fernando Valenzuela

The Dodgers wasted no time in heading back to LA after their World Series victory in New York, if the cute trophy-cuddling pictures of Freddie Freeman on the plane are any indication. But the hustle was warranted, because they had a parade to get back to, their first parade since 1988.

Their 2020 win was unheralded due to the pandemic, but now the Dodgers are going to get the full party to make up for the lost time.

The route is set in the heart of downtown LA, but the date that was chosen also bears a lot of significance to this team and city — Nov. 1, Fernando Valenzuela's birthday.

The Dodgers staged a beautiful tribute to Valenzuela ahead of Game 1 of the World Series, when Orel Hershiser and Steve Yeager placed a baseball beneath Valenzuela's No. 34 on the mound instead of tossing out a first pitch. All players also wore a No. 34 patch through the Fall Classic and will continue to do so throughout 2025.

How to Watch Dodgers' World Series parade through downtown LA set on Fernando Valenzuela's birthday

Valenzuela passed away on Oct. 22 after taking a step back from broadcasting duties as SportsNet LA's Spanish color commentator just a few weeks prior. He'll best be remembered for his 1981 rookie season, when he became the first and so far only pitcher to ever win the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in a single season. He also won the World Series with the Dodgers that year, and the team retired his jersey in 2023.

The Dodgers' parade procession will start at LA City Hall at 11 AM PST and wrap up near the LA Central Library. Tickets are also available to a celebration at Dodger Stadium starting at 12:15. The parade will also be broadcast on MLB Network along with a host of local networks including Spectrum SportsNet LA, CBS 2, NBC 4, KTLA 5, ABC 7, KCAL 9 and Fox 11.