THE GOAL
The Los Angeles Times‘ documentary series Fernandomania @ 40 explores Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela’s profound impact on baseball and Los Angeles’ Latino community. The primary aim of Fernandomania @ 40 is to commemorate and analyze the 40th anniversary of Fernando Valenzuela’s transformative 1981 rookie season. The series seeks to highlight how Valenzuela not only revolutionized the Dodgers’ fanbase but also became a cultural icon for Latinos in Los Angeles, bridging gaps between the team and a community historically affected by the construction of Dodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine.
HOW?
The series employs a multi-episode documentary format, combining archival footage, interviews, and expert commentary. It features insights from Valenzuela himself, former teammates, Dodgers personnel, cultural commentators, and artists. By delving into Valenzuela’s early life in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, his discovery by scout Mike Brito and his meteoric rise in Major League Baseball, the series paints a vivid picture of his journey. Episodes also explore the broader cultural and political landscape, including the displacement of Latino communities in Chavez Ravine and the subsequent impact on the Dodgers’ relationship with these communities.
RESULTS
Fernandomania @ 40 successfully rekindled interest in Valenzuela’s legacy, leading to broader recognition of his contributions both on and off the field. The series was broadcast in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility to a diverse audience. It prompted discussions about the intersection of sports, culture and community in Los Angeles, and served as an educational resource on the historical challenges faced by the city’s Latino population. The documentary not only celebrated a baseball legend but also fostered a deeper understanding of the social dynamics that shaped, and were shaped by, Valenzuela’s career.
