To the editor: I’ve by no means written to the L.A. Instances earlier than. However after the passing of Fernando Valenzuela, I felt compelled to share just a few ideas about one of many nicest individuals I ever met. (“Why Fernando Valenzuela’s magic ought to guarantee him a spot within the Corridor of Fame,” column, Oct. 23)
Together with numerous different golfers who known as the Montebello Golf Course residence, I had the distinct pleasure of attending to know Fernando — the individual, not the celeb. For greater than 20 years he was a member of our males’s membership.
He didn’t care that it was a public golf course. Whereas most professional athletes be a part of unique non-public golf equipment, Fernando — or Freddie, as we known as him — was extra comfy enjoying with the typical Joe. He handled all of the golfers as in the event that they had been lifelong pals.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to get in just a few rounds with Freddie through the years. He was enjoyable to play with, at all times joking and never afraid to win just a few bets.
And boy, may he play. He routinely shot beneath par and hit the ball a mile. Though he performed left-handed, he would often showcase and borrow a right-handed driver, stripe it down the center then provide up a bit smile.
Through the years Freddie performed in lots of of charitable golf occasions. He would at all times present signed balls, bats, jerseys, images and different gadgets to assist elevate cash for worthwhile causes. And he by no means anticipated something in return. He was as real as they got here.
We, the Montebello golf neighborhood, will at all times cherish the standard time we had with this lovely man. And I’m positive Freddie would’ve felt the identical approach about us.
Brian Bart, Lengthy Seashore
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To the editor: The magnitude of “Fernandomania” is so immense that lifelong Dodger followers who had the good fortune of personally experiencing that phenomenon innately affiliate the yr 1981 with that — presumably much more so than vanquishing the hated Yankees to cap off that actually unforgettable season.
And for one of many only a few eternally true-blue Dodgers to go away us as our crew meets these Yankees once more within the World Sequence — for the primary time since that indelible season — couldn’t be extra poignant.
It’s so straightforward to think about Tommy Lasorda operating out from the dugout of Blue Heaven to heartily embrace Fernando, simply as he did so many instances in 1981.
Jin Choi, La Crescenta
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To the editor: As for the Dodgers’ lack of sophistication of their remedy of Fernando after his prime as a pitcher, we should keep in mind that the Dodgers are an organization, and firms normally don’t have a coronary heart, they’ve a backside line. That’s simply the way in which issues are.
So, columnist Gustavo Arellano hit the nail straight on the top when he wrote, “The what-could’ve-been shrinks within the shadow of what was: an encounter with the divine.”
Individuals and companies are fallible; now we have to confess it and transfer on in our lives. However the reminiscence of Fernando and his spirit and revolution won’t ever be forgotten. He’s eternally tattooed on the psyche of these of us who lived throughout his reign with the Dodgers.
Thanks, Fernando Valenzuela, for all of the recollections.
Chet Chebegia, San Marcos
