Fernandomania changed the Dodgers fanbase forever | Fernandomania @ 40 Ep. 6

, Mark E. Potts, Jessica Q. Chen and Steve Saldivar

June 17, 2021 7 AM PT

When the Dodgers were in Brooklyn, owner Walter O’ Malley prided himself on team rosters that reflected the community. When he moved west in 1958, that proved a tougher task – until Fernando Valenzuela’s arrival. With the frenzy surrounding of Fernandomania in 1981, the complexion of a predominantly white fanbase transformed into something that looked a lot more like Los Angeles itself.

Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein

Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein is senior director/video for features, sports and long-form videos. The UC Berkeley graduate has been an editor at Spin, Los Angeles Reader, Orange Coast and other publications. His work as a documentary writer and producer has appeared on VH1, ESPN, Food Network, Biography and TLC. His short story, “Fried Chicken,” was included in the anthology “Another City” (City Lights, 2001). He started his career on The Times’ prep sports desk.