How Fernando Valenzuela’s mound artistry inspired other artists | Fernandomania @ 40 Ep. 10

, Mark E. Potts, Jessica Q. Chen and Steve Saldivar

Aug. 12, 2021 7 AM PT

While Fernandomania energized Los Angeles, it also sparked the creativity of the city’s artistic community. Artist Barbara Carrasco celebrated the pitcher to her landmark mural “L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective;” playwrights Richard Montoya and Judy Soo Hoo tapped into Valenzuela’s mystical powers in “Chavez Ravine” and “Sandi Koto of the San Gabriel Valley;” and musician Steve Wynn reflected on the pitcher and the frenzy surrounding him on “Fernando,” a song he penned for The Baseball Project.

Sports Dodgers

Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein

Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein is a former senior video director for features, sports and long-form videos at the Los Angeles Times. The UC Berkeley graduate has been an editor at Spin, Los Angeles Reader, Orange Coast and other publications. His work as a documentary writer and producer has appeared on VH1, ESPN, Food Network, Biography and TLC. His short story, “Fried Chicken,” was included in the anthology “Another City” (City Lights, 2001). He started his career on The Times’ prep sports desk.

Mark E. Potts

Mark E. Potts is the senior editor for video at the Los Angeles Times. A native of Enid, Okla., Potts graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in broadcast journalism. He has created and edited video for DreamWorks, YouTube, Microsoft, Sony and BET.

Jessica Q. Chen

Jessica Q. Chen is a Chinese American filmmaker and journalist whose work explores stories and change around women’s issues, youth culture and sports. She was the series producer for L.A. Times Short Docs.

Steve Saldivar

Steve Saldivar is a former video journalist at the Los Angeles Times.