Letters to Sport: Fernandomania grips the sky

Fernando Valenzuela was 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 Mexico's Shohei Ohtani. Viva Fernandomania!

Barry Smith
A thousand oak trees

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When I hosted Dodger Talk on KABC in the 1980s, I tried to objectively assess the club's play, and believe me, not all of the players appreciated my honesty. Fernando Valenzuela understood the situation and even heard 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 saw the start of Fernandomania with my buddy Curtis Mingo. It's hard to say which athletes had a long-lasting influence and following in Los Angeles because there were so many greats there.

But for me, it is Magic Johnson and Fernando Valenzuela who have had the greatest and most lasting impact on professional sports in Los Angeles.

Not only did they dominate on the court and on the field, but their charismatic personalities also attracted fans, and both the Lakers and Dodgers continue to reap the benefits for many years to come.

Thanks for the thrill, Fernando. May God's grace and love be upon your eternal soul and with your family during this difficult time.

Charles L. Freeman, Jr.
Baldwin Hills