Dodgers team up again with Valenzuela for Amigos de Fernando children's program
04/17/2006 7:04 PM ET
Los Angeles Dodgers Public Relations
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Dodgers announced today that for the fourth consecutive season they will team up with former pitching star and current Spanish-language broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela to host children's groups from the local community to designated 2006 Dodger home games as part of the Los Amigos de Fernando program, presented by Cacique and Las Palmas. The groups, which consist of 34 children in honor of the uniform number Valenzuela wore with the Dodgers, will participate in pre-game activities with the left-hander.
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This season's Los Amigos de Fernando program kicks off at Dodger Stadium tomorrow when the Dodgers host the Chicago Cubs for a 7:10 p.m. game. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Fernandomania, when Valenzuela became an international phenomenon during his rookie season.
"The Los Angeles community has always been so supportive and loyal," said Valenzuela, who started the program in 2003, his first season as a broadcaster. "The fans still mean a lot to me and this is a wonderful opportunity for me to give back to the community and do my part to help the children of Los Angeles."
Valenzuela will spend time talking to the youth groups and taking pictures with the young fans before returning to his broadcast duties. The children will also receive gift bags. Local youth-based community programs such as Para Los Niños, the Latino Children's Fund, Central City Action Committee and El Sereno Youth Center, among others, will participate in the program. Panda Express will donate food for each of the events for all participating children.
Other dates for the Los Amigos de Fernando program are as follows:
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Tuesday, April 18 vs. Chicago Cubs
Wednesday, May 3 vs. San Diego Padres
Tuesday, May 23 vs. Colorado Rockies
Saturday, June 3 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Thursday, June 22 vs. Seattle Mariners
Wednesday, July 5 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Wednesday, July 26 vs. San Diego Padres
Thursday, August 10 vs. Colorado Rockies
Sunday, September 3 vs. Colorado Rockies
Tuesday, September 19 vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Please contact the Dodgers' Public Relations Department at (323) 224-1301 or the Dodgers' Community Affairs Department at (323) 224-1435 for additional information.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.