Fernando Valenzuela has been traded to the Angels. I’m sure he’ll be a star there. Rest in peace.

Paul Kessler
Los Angeles

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Fernando Valenuela was the Mexican Shohei Ohtani. Long live Fernandomania!

Barry Smith
A thousand oaks

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When I hosted the Dodger Talk on KABC in the 1980s, I tried to be objective about the club’s play and believe me, not all players appreciated my honesty. Fernando Valenzuela understood the situation and even listened to my chopped Spanish. His kindness will never be forgotten

Fred Wallin
Westlake village

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I was there on opening day in 1981 and, with my friend Curtis Mingo, witnessed the beginning of Fernandomania. It’s hard to say which athletes have had a long-lasting influence and following in Los Angeles because there have been so many greats.

But for me, it’s Magic Johnson and Fernando Valenzuela who have had the biggest and longest-lasting impact on professional sports in Los Angeles.

Not only did they dominate on and off the court, but their charismatic personalities drew fans to them and both the Lakers and Dodgers are still reaping the benefits all these years later.

Thanks for the excitement, Fernando. May God’s grace and love rest on your eternal soul and on your family during this difficult time.

Charles L. Freeman, Jr.
Baldwin Hills