LOS ANGELES — As the Yankees and Dodgers prepare for one of the most eagerly awaited World Series in years, both teams are acutely aware that a significant figure will not be part of the event.

Just days before the 2024 World Series was scheduled to kick off at Dodger Stadium, Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passed away at 63. His recent decision to step back from broadcasting duties due to health concerns had hinted at troubles, but the news still stunned many involved in the championship games.

“It was a surprise. I honestly didn’t expect it,” Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes remarked to YSL News Sports during the media event on Thursday. “It’s truly heartbreaking to hear he has gone.”

Barnes is among numerous players who have worn a Dodgers uniform in recent years and recognize the profound impact Valenzuela had on the team and the community.

How significant was he? Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his feelings for Valenzuela in Spanish when asked to describe his importance.

“Fernando Valenzuela is like family to me,” Roberts said in Spanish, referring to him as an elder brother. “An amazing player and a person who means everything to me.”

Valenzuela’s significance is especially clear to those deeply connected to Los Angeles. However, his influence resonates beyond the local scene.

Barnes grew up in Southern California, recognizing Valenzuela’s stature, while Roberts also spent his formative years in the region. Yet there are players like third baseman Max Muncy, originally from Texas, who acknowledge the left-handed pitcher’s impact from Navojoa, Mexico.

“It’s hard to express how significant he was. You could argue that most of our fans today are here because of Fernando. He meant everything to this organization, this city, and Mexico,” Muncy shared. “Knowing him over the years has been a true honor and blessing.”

Some players only recently grasped Valenzuela’s influence. Pitcher Tyler Glasnow, a local kid, didn’t fully understand Valenzuela’s prominence until he joined the Dodgers earlier this season, noticing all the murals and jerseys, and how fans reacted when Valenzuela entered a room.

Reliever Blake Treinen mentioned he learned about Valenzuela’s remarkable 1981 season just in the past day, during which Valenzuela won all eight of his initial appearances, all complete games—five of which were shutouts—making him the first player to earn both the NL Cy Young and NL Rookie of the Year awards in that same year.

“That’s pretty remarkable,” Treinen remarked.

You don’t need to be a current Dodger to recognize Valenzuela’s enduring impact, and the sorrow felt in Los Angeles.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone remembers moving to the Los Angeles area in 1983, just a couple of years after “Fernandomania” swept everyone off their feet. Boone experienced firsthand the excitement that Valenzuela created.

Another Yankee, outfielder Alex Verdugo, a former Dodger, had the privilege of coaching with Valenzuela for Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic. Whether playing for Valenzuela’s national team or the Dodgers, Verdugo had nothing but praise for their interactions.

“He was incredibly humble yet had a commanding presence. He could fill up a room or simply blend in without anyone noticing,” Verdugo said. “Despite all his successes, he remained grounded and true to himself, which is truly amazing.”

As the World Series commences, there will be significant tributes for Valenzuela. The Dodgers have added a No. 34 patch to their uniforms, and he will be honored before Game 1 and all throughout Dodger Stadium. Tributes to his name, image, or number are adorned with flowers everywhere.

The entrance of the stadium has turned into a memorial for the beloved pitcher, filled with candles, flowers, photos, and, notably, a Mexican flag. Glasnow noted how touching it was to witness the tribute as he entered the stadium.

Everyone knows that Valenzuela will forever remain in the hearts of those who walk through the gates of his home stadium.

“He’s a figure we will continuously honor and keep his legacy alive,” Verdugo said.

While he may not be physically present as the Dodgers face the Yankees on Friday night, many believe Valenzuela will still be watching over his team.

“He was a legend,” Yankees ace Gerrit Cole stated. “It’s unfortunate he won’t be here for this series, but I’m sure he has a wonderful view from above.”