Dodgers fans stopped by the stadium Wednesday morning to honor legendary left-hander Fernando Valenzuela, who died Tuesday night. He was 63.
KNX News’ Jon Baird reported that flowers, candles, and cards were left at the Dodger Stadium sign.
“I just stopped to pay my respects to the to the legend here,” one fan said.
Another fan said Valenzuela’s death hits home.
“It was very unexpected,” he said. “He’s at a young age, 63. Never thought this would happen.”
Another fan named Phillip told KNX News’ Jon Baird he was a kid when Fernandomania happened.
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“But even then I just remember that it was such an important meaningful event for people to see him play, considering his background and considering his relationship to the community in Los Angeles,” he said. “And now that I'm older – I literally live on Vince Scully Avenue - I see that this event right now…although it's only really early in the morning and we came down here straight from waking up, to see that it's gonna be a really, really big event. A really big memorial and a really big uniting event for the community, not just for the sake of baseball, but just for the sake of the city of Los Angeles.”
“A great loss for the sports but also for the family,” another fan said. “The daughters, the seven grandkids…it’s a tough one.”
Valenzuela’s death comes days before the Dodgers face off against the Yankees in game one of the World Series.
Valenzuela had a 173-153 record and a 3.54 ERA, according to City News Service. He pitched in 453 games and made 424 starts.
On Oct. 2, he stepped down from his broadcasting duties to focus on his health.
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