A new mural celebrating Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela will soon grace the side of an apartment building in Boyle Heights, visible to drivers along the 101 Freeway. The mural, commissioned by L.A. City Councilman Kevin de León’s office is set to be an enduring tribute to the beloved pitcher who captured the hearts of baseball fans and became a cultural icon during the peak of “Fernandomania” in the 1980s.
The artwork will be created by renowned local artist Robert Vargas, known for his vibrant murals across Los Angeles, including a tribute to Shohei Ohtani in Little Tokyo. Vargas began work on the mural shortly after the Dodgers secured their spot in the World Series, aiming to complete it by November 1st, which would have marked Valenzuela’s 64th birthday. “This mural is going to be an iconic mural, an instant landmark,” Vargas said. “It allows children of the future to look at an image and see themselves.”
Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away recently at age 63, became an enduring symbol of hope and inspiration, especially for the Latino community in Southern California. His dominance on the mound, beginning with a shutout on Opening Day in 1981, ignited “Fernandomania,” a craze that transcended sports and made him a hero to fans across the country. Councilman de León emphasized Valenzuela’s broader impact, stating, “Fernando is not just a Dodger. Not just an athlete. He’s a symbol of hope, aspiration, and the fight for representation.”
Valenzuela’s journey from the dusty fields of Navojoa, Mexico, to the bright lights of Dodger Stadium exemplified what could be achieved with dedication and passion. His success united Los Angeles, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and giving them something to cheer for. “Fernando gave the city something to believe in. He brought together Angelenos from every walk of life,” said de León.
The new mural, aptly named “Fernando Mania Forever,” will be located on 1st Street, visible to commuters passing along the 101 Freeway. The painting aims to capture the spirit and charisma of Valenzuela, whose legacy extends far beyond his achievements on the field. Vargas hopes the mural will serve as a reminder of the joy and unity Valenzuela brought to the community during his playing days and continue to inspire future generations.
“Before Ohtani Mania, there was Fernandomania,” Vargas said, drawing a connection between two of the most beloved international stars in baseball. For Vargas, who grew up in Boyle Heights, creating this mural is deeply personal. “This is a way of paying tribute to someone who meant so much not just to baseball fans, but to the culture and community of Los Angeles.”
Valenzuela’s achievements on the field were nothing short of remarkable. He remains the only player in MLB history to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in the same season, a feat he accomplished during the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series campaign. Throughout his career, he became one of the franchise’s all-time leaders in several pitching categories, including complete games, strikeouts, and wins. Valenzuela also played a crucial role in the Dodgers’ World Series victories in 1981 and 1988.
His influence continued long after his playing career ended, as he became a fixture in the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast booth, connecting with a new generation of fans. Although he stepped away from the role earlier this month due to health concerns, the love and admiration for Valenzuela never wavered. His passing has only heightened the desire to celebrate his legacy, as evidenced by the overwhelming support for the new mural.
The mural is set to be completed by November 1st, coinciding with what would have been Valenzuela’s 64th birthday and potentially Game 6 of the World Series, if necessary. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose presence on the mound brought so much joy to Dodger fans, not just in Los Angeles but worldwide. Actor Edward James Olmos encouraged the public to visit and “watch a master work at the highest level of understanding” as Vargas brought the mural to life.
With this tribute, Boyle Heights will have a new landmark that celebrates the life and legacy of a true baseball icon. Valenzuela’s impact was about more than just his remarkable skill as a pitcher; it was about what he represented — hope, unity, and the possibility of achieving greatness against all odds. As de León aptly put it, “Fernando’s journey showed us what is possible when dedication and passion meet opportunity.”
As the Dodgers gear up for another World Series, the mural will serve as a lasting reminder of the hero who first brought “Fernandomania” to Los Angeles, ensuring that Valenzuela’s spirit continues to inspire and unite for years to come.
