![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YEL8Pkhzh2G-z9cQP5jbs84N0j0=/0x12:1000x679/1400x1400/filters:focal(0x12:1000x679):format(jpeg)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16160373/20120418_kdl_am8_016.0.jpg)
Dodgers All-Star rookies: Fernando Valenzuela, 1981 - True Blue LA
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://ca-times.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0ddbac6/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3720x2480+90+0/resize/840x560!/quality/75/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcalifornia-times-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F16%2F32%2Fa0f5b38c4884985522374fa5ffed%2Fgetty-1212991917.jpg)
The last wave of Fernandomania played out in Texas, where fans
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://i0.wp.com/orangecountytribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CROP-Nando.png?fit=1662%2C1072&ssl=1)
Fernando's number retired – ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://beverlypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/local-DodgersHonorFernandoValenzuela.png)
Dodgers honor legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela - Beverly
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Fernando_Valenzuela_in_bullpen.jpg/640px-Fernando_Valenzuela_in_bullpen.jpg)
Fernando Valenzuela - Wikipedia
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://www.clickorlando.com/resizer/9EACzBUKMkKpx9SnrVzSH0H_XNg=/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg/public/SJNYO5KZMVADJL35GZ2Q3BAX5Q.jpg)
Fernandomania' lives again at Dodger Stadium with retirement of
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://i0.wp.com/www.stlredbirds.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/valenzuela.jpg?fit=650%2C366&ssl=1)
June 13, 1997: Cardinals get Fernando Valenzuela in trade with
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/3af24d9aad9ea9f0117ba3328f3b435f64889233/c=0-134-3788-2265/local/-/media/2017/10/24/USATODAY/usatsports/35eb5134c4a240d3a5b03e119a8ace25.jpg?width=3200&height=1801&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Astros, Dodgers developed quite a rivalry as division foes
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://i.psacard.com/cardfacts/1981-topps-850-fernando-valenzuela-traded-mint-9-77087.jpg?h=1000)
1981 Topps & Topps Traded Fernando Valenzuela Traded
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://miro.medium.com/v2/resize:fit:1036/1*rhJmEWGRy0Sq8cdOGW88Jg.jpeg)
TBT: Valenzuela's Opening Day shutout and start of “Fernandomania
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/SXsAAOSwi-9k3TUT/s-l1600.jpg)
Fernando Valenzuela 1981 - 1991 9 card lot w/ ROOKIE L A Dodgers
![April 9, 1981: Dodgers' Fernando Valenzuela makes first start in historic rookie season](https://2urbangirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/fernando-valenzuela-e1691629861520.webp)
Dodgers to break precedent and retire Fernando Valenzuela's No. 34