Mexican baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela and his family dropped into Guadalajara last weekend as guests of honor of  the Charros de Jalisco, one of his former teams. The highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a bronze statue of the famed pitcher in the forecourt of the Pan American Baseball Stadium.

“It’s my first statue and a great honor,” said the former LA Dodgers star.  “And I guess it does capture my pitching style.”

Dozens of fans crowded around the statue, which weighs 250 kilos and measures 2.40 meters in height, for a glimpse of their hero and offer up balls and caps for signatures.

Valenzuela became emotional when thanking the Guadalajara public for their warmth and support during his brief visit. “I’m getting goose bumps just standing here,” he admitted.

During Friday night’s opening game of the series against the Culiacan Tomatogrowers, Valenzuela was honored in the sixth inning, when the 32 jersey number he wore with the Charros in 1992 and 1994 was retired.

On Sunday Valenzuela dutifully signed balls, caps and t-shirts for dozens of young fans, some of whom waited patiently in line for nearly an hour.

Valenzuela was also able to see his son, Fernando Jr., start at first base for the Charros in the final two games of the series.

The Charros lost the series 2-1, suffering a heavy loss in Saturday’s game, 16-5.

Also during the visit, Valenzuela paid a call on Jalisco Governor Aristoteles Sandoval, gifting him a limited edition jersey and cap. In return, “El Toro” received some Huichol Indian craftwork.

The Charros de Jalisco’s next home games are on Friday, November 28, 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 29, 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 30, noon.  The series is against the Cañeros de Los Mochis.

As of Thursday, the Charros were placed second in the eight-team Mexican Pacific League table, 1.5 games back of the Obregon Yaquis. Boasting a 20-14 record, the Charros are well positioned to make the playoffs in January.

For more information visit charrosjalisco.com.