Alexander: Fernandomania wasn’t just transformative on the field

Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela receives flowers from three of his fans during a baseball clinic on May 16, 1981 in Los Angeles. Valenzuela became a cultural icon almost immediately during his sensational rookie season and helped the Dodgers reconnect with legions of Latinos for years to come. (AP Photo/RR)
In this Aug. 8, 1981, file photo, Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela pitches in the MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland. The 1981 season were dominated by Valenzuela, as the Mexican rookie to