‘Fernandomania’ at Macy’s

GLENDALE — Fernando Valenzuela never forgot about the fanfare that swept the Los Angeles area 25 years ago.

The former Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher was the main topic of conversation among the media and the fans who flocked to Dodger Stadium to see him bedevil opposing batters.

His eyes rolled upward while delivering one of his patented screwballs, and Los Angeles, particularly the Hispanic population, got caught up in “Fernandomania” as he helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series against the New York Yankees.

Valenzuela still has a large fan base, as more than 200 people flocked to Macy’s at the Glendale Galleria, where he signed autographs for about an hour Friday.

Dressed in a pink sports shirt and green slacks, Valenzuela, who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1980-97, looked relaxed.

The 45-year-old Valenzuela, who won the 1981 National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award, signed baseballs, jerseys and pictures for fans who followed his career.

Valenzuela, who attends several autograph sessions during the year, hasn’t forgotten the relationship forged between him and his supporters.

“When I was a player, it was hard to have contact with the fans,” said Valenzuela, who went 173-153 with a 3.54 earned-run average in 2,900 innings. “Now, I have more time to spend with the people and sign autographs.

“My first full season was 1981, and it was one of my best years. It’s amazing that the time went so fast … it seems like it was just a couple of years ago. The fans were fantastic.”

Valenzuela, who also pitched for the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals, signed for people who saw him pitch. He also signed for those who never saw him perform.

Jose Rodriquez, 12, said he heard tales from his uncle, Victor Cortez, about Valenzuela performing.

“My uncle was a big Fernando fan, and I heard a lot of stories from him,” said Rodriguez, who resides in Venice. “It’s cool to get his autograph and see tapes of him.

“It feels good to get his autograph, and I can show it to my friends.”

Robert Cornejo, 38, remembered listening to Valenzuela pitch on a transistor radio with his brothers shortly after Valenzuela debuted. Cornejo, who lives in Los Angeles, said he went to one of Valenzuela’s first games.

“He became our hero,” said Cornejo, who had a baseball signed. “He was just something else.

“It’s not like I’m a youngster, but it’s great to get his autograph.”

Valenzuela, who currently does color commentary for Spanish language broadcasts of Dodger games alongside Jaime Jarrin, had to work hard to earn a spot in the Dodgers rotation prior to the start of the 1981 campaign.

He began the 1981 season with 2-0 complete-game victory against the Houston Astros on opening day in front of a sold-out Dodger Stadium.

“That gave me a chance to stay in the rotation,” said Valenzuela, whose son, Fernando Jr., was a star player at St. Francis High, Glendale Community College and the University of Nevada Las Vegas before being drafted in the 10th round by the San Diego Padres in 2003. “That was one of my greatest moments, along with winning the third game of the 1981 World Series.”