One of the most uncomfortable truths about the Dodgers, who moved from Brooklyn to settle in the beautiful Chavez Ravine area of Los Angeles, is the history of their stadium’s construction. The creation of Dodger Stadium—a crown jewel in baseball—came at the cost of nearly 2,000 families, many of whom were Mexican-American. These families were forcibly removed from their homes through intimidation and eminent domain laws.

The promise of public housing for the displaced was a cruel trick: instead of homes for families, the land was handed over to a sports franchise, marking a time when public funds were used for private gain, significantly enhancing the wealth of team owners.

Moreover, this displacement erased the generational wealth of those families. Recently, California lawmakers attempted to introduce the Chavez Ravine Accountability Act, which would provide reparations to those affected. However, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed this bill earlier this month.

Yet, perhaps in a twist of fate, the world of baseball has its own ways of balancing things out.

Only 22 years after Dodger Stadium opened in 1962—a mere two decades post the team’s relocation from Brooklyn—Fernando Valenzuela arrived from Mexico. At just 20 years old, he made a tremendous impact, emerging during a timeline when the Dodgers were still playing at the Coliseum in 1960. His entry in late 1980 brought forth one of the most remarkable rookie seasons for a pitcher in baseball history.

The phenomenon of ‘Fernandomania’ was unprecedented; from the stunning opening weeks of the 1981 season, where he started eight games, finished seven, achieved a 0.50 ERA, pitched five shutouts, and catalyzed a new golden age for the Dodgers.

It is unlikely that we will witness a rookie season like Fernando’s again: a 147-pitch complete game against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the World Series, putting the Dodgers up 3-1, just a week shy of his 21st birthday.

The Dodgers clinched the championship by defeating the Yankees in six games, helping to alleviate the pain from prior back-to-back losses to them in the 1977-78 Series.

With Fernando taking the mound and an increasingly diverse crowd in the stands, listening to the voices of Vin Scully or Jaime Jarrín on the radio, the Dodgers transformed into the powerhouse franchise they are known as today.

It’s ironic how displacement, borders, and xenophobia can impact a community, yet they cannot deter progress or prosperity.

And indeed, after Fernando, the Dodgers thrived.

Their journey to the NL pennant in 1978 attracted a record 3.3 million attendees at Dodger Stadium, but that figure fell below 3 million two years later. The magical year of ‘Fernandomania’ was disrupted by a work stoppage, capping the season at just 110 games.

Labor strikes often dampen fan enthusiasm, effects that can linger for years, but following a World Series title and having young talent like Fernando, the team saw a record attendance of 3.6 million fans in 1982.

Los Angeles itself underwent changes, as did the demographics of the Dodgers’ fan base: the charming image of all-American first baseman Steve Garvey from the 1970s would soon be joined by Latino players like Valenzuela, Pedro Guerrero, and the Martinez brothers.

In Fernando, the Mexican-American community found a champion to admire. Los Angeles transformed into a city where the contributions of immigrants from Mexico and Central America became integral to its identity and reflected in its fan base.

This growth in attendance? It has been continuous. While it may have slowed down during the mismanagement of the franchise by News Corp. and the disastrous ownership of Frank McCourt, the Dodgers have maintained an impressive attendance record, never falling below 3.7 million fans since 2013.

The current ownership group recognizes the importance of investment and growth, evident in their $700 million bet on Shohei Ohtani, which maximized the stadium’s capacity: nearly 4 million fans attended, the highest in Major League Baseball, even for an ordinary weeknight game against the Diamondbacks.

And what a lineup they have: Shohei, Yoshi, Teo, Mookie, Kiké, and Freddie led a commendable 98-win season and an NL championship, playing to enthusiastic crowds every night.

It might be overwhelming for some, but it’s undeniably a celebration for a fan base that had no chance to rejoice in a championship during the 2020 pandemic year. They thrive off the sounds of organist Dieter Ruehle and move to the beats of beloved local artist Kendrick Lamar, much like their diverse clubhouse.

This Friday night will culminate in a historic matchup: the Yankees against the Dodgers, Game 1 of the World Series, with unmistakable Southern California flair. Jack Flaherty

In a matchup that contrasts cultures and backgrounds, we will see Gerrit Cole, who has roots in the Valley, go up against a white player from Orange County. It’s the 818 area code versus the 714, all happening in the 323—an event that mirrors the excitement of the more than 50,000 fans who have paid significant sums to witness the game.

This is where the unpredictable nature of fate reveals its harsh side.

Fernando Valenzuela, a cherished figure whose jersey number was retired just two years ago, brought elegance to the Dodgers’ broadcasts in Spanish, both on TV and radio. Tragically, he will not be present for this occasion. His passing at the age of 63 on Tuesday night comes at an incredibly poignant time, reminiscent of Willie Mays’ somber farewell shortly before Major League Baseball honored him at Birmingham’s historic Rickwood Field.

Now, the first game will serve as an improvised tribute—a moment to grieve but also to come together, much like those who gathered at Rickwood.

There will likely be no remembrances for the families that once called that land home, and attempts to address their grievances have hit a dead end. While the Dodgers have claimed five World Series titles in that stadium, they are just athletes, unable to rectify such deep-rooted wrongs.

Despite only being a pitcher, Fernando’s legacy and what he created in Chavez Ravine will endure forever.