As Los Angeles mourns the passing of Dodgers icon Fernando Valenzuela, two local artists are creating murals to honor the cherished sports figure in the City of Angels.
Valenzuela, renowned for his signature screwball that bewildered opponents and delighted fans, died on Tuesday after being hospitalized earlier this month. He was 63, and the specifics surrounding his cause of death have not been disclosed.
The legendary Dodger’s impressive rookie season was pivotal in the team’s victory against the New York Yankees in the 1981 World Series. As the Dodgers grapple with their grief, they are also preparing to compete against the Yankees in this year’s World Series. During this time, artists Robert Vargas and Jonas Never are working on new artistic tributes featuring Valenzuela.
Vargas, recognized for his extensive 150-foot mural of Shohei Ohtani in Little Tokyo, announced that he is developing a mural dedicated to Valenzuela. In an interview with NBC4 shortly before Valenzuela’s death, Vargas mentioned that his new work will complement Ohtani’s mural, stating, “The Shohei mural and the Fernando mural are bookends to the First Street Bridge.”
In a display of emotion following Valenzuela’s passing, Vargas shared that the mural is expected to be unveiled on November 1, coinciding with Valenzuela’s birthday and the Day of the Dead. He described it as an “ofrenda,” which is a traditional altar to celebrate the deceased. Vargas recalled how Valenzuela inspired many, saying, “He gave us permission to dream in a way that went beyond the game. He was an immigrant who looked like one of us and went out there and did amazing things, and he was always so humble.”
Vargas’ tribute will be located on the backside of the old Boyle Hotel in Boyle Heights at 1781 1st St.
In Elysian Valley, artist Jonas Never is diligently working on his mural project in Frogtown. He began the piece last week, prior to the announcement of Valenzuela’s death and before the Dodgers secured a spot in the World Series. Known for his art celebrating Kobe Bryant and various Dodgers players, Never expressed a sense of closure regarding his current project. “Being a mile and a half from Dodger Stadium, the Dodgers were such a natural pick. Ironically, this Fernando image is from ’81 – the last time they played the Yankees in the World Series. So, it’s a really weird, full connection,” he shared.
Never recounted his initial reaction to the news of Valenzuela’s passing, revealing he was overwhelmed by messages and felt disbelief. “It’s weird that this was planned and started when he was alive, and now it’s taken on a whole new meaning,” he remarked, noting that when he arrived at the site, there were already candles placed in tribute.
The location of Never’s mural is near the intersection of Forney Street and Blake Avenue, and the timeline for its completion remains uncertain.