Fernando Valenzuela’s remarkable life and untimely death serve as a poignant reminder of the beauty of immigration. The Dodgers pitcher had a legendary rookie season in 1981, playing a key role in defeating the Yankees in the World Series.

 1.Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, threw out the ceremonial first pitch during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game on July 19, 2022, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Just days before the Dodgers are set to face the New York Yankees in the World Series, it is with great sorrow that we report Valenzuela's passing at the age of 63.

The upcoming World Series marks the first matchup between these storied franchises in 43 years, reviving a rivalry that captivated fans during the Eisenhower era and re-emerged in the 1970s. As the late James Earl Jones noted in *Field of Dreams*, this game is woven into the fabric of our past, embodying both nostalgia and the hope for a brighter future.

Yet, the return of this historic rivalry carries a poignant weight. Valenzuela was the symbol of the Dodgers’ 1981 championship team that triumphed over the Yankees. He burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old rookie from Etchohuaquila, Mexico, captivating audiences with his unique windup and style. To those who witnessed it, Fernandomania was a phenomenon unlike any other, characterized by his almost spiritual presence on the mound. As Susan Sarandon’s character in *Bull Durham* expressed, Valenzuela's gaze toward the heavens was nothing short of mesmerizing.