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LOS ANGELES -- Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin put it best when describing the return of  Fernando Valenzuela to the Dodger organization as a broadcaster.

"Saint Luke in chapter 16 of the bible said 'the son went away and the son came back,' I believe that Fernando is the prodigal son," said Jarrin. "He decided to come back to the Dodgers."

It has been seven years since the 42-year-old superstar had set foot in Dodger Stadium, a place where he first took the world by storm as a 20-year-old rookie pitcher on Opening Day in 1981 when he filled in for an ailing Jerry Reuss and proceeded to shut out the Houston Astros on five hits, 2-0. Valenzuela would go on to win thirteen games that strike-shortened season with eight shutouts and become the only pitcher in history to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young award in the same season.

"The Dodgers have always been better with Fernando on the mound," said Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully to the media on Thursday. "The Dodgers will always be better with Fernando on the air. I know I speak for all the broadcasters in the family and we welcome him back with open arms. We are so much richer for having him with us."

It took the Dodgers two years to convince their former star pitcher to return to the organization he began his career with. There had been some bad feelings when Valenzuela had been released by the team during Spring Training in 1991.  Valenzuela kept his home in Los Angeles, but would not take part in any Dodger functions after retiring from baseball in 1997 with 173 wins. In 2001 he agreed to let the team use his likeness for a bobble head giveaway and he's also allowed the Dodgers to use photos of him on their outfield walls, but he's declined all requests to throw out the first pitch or make personal appearances at the stadium.

"I wanted to make sure what I was going to do," said Valenzuela. "I didn't want to get involved in something for just a little bit. I wanted to make sure I was going to do something I was going to enjoy."

The deal Valenzuela and the Dodgers agreed on is to have the former pitcher serve as color analyst with both Jarrin and fellow Spanish broadcaster Pepe Yniguez for all Dodger home games and all road games in which the Dodgers travel to western division cities.

Valenzuela is very excited to be working with his close friend Jarrin, who also served as English interpreter for Valenzuela for the first three years of his career.

Pepe Yniguez, Fernando Valenzuela and Hall of Famer Jaime Jarrin make up the new Dodger  Spanish broadcast team. (Jon SooHoo/Dodgers )

"It made me more comfortable to work with somebody I have known for many years," said Valenzuela. "I know the reason we made this decision is because I know I'm going to be with somebody who knows the game and I think this is going to be great for me."

Jarrin agrees, but cautions it's going to take Valenzuela a little time to learn the ropes of broadcasting.

"I think until he feels more relaxed comfortable in the booth I will do my best to help him, to make him sound professional," said Jarrin. "I feel he has the qualities to be a very good analyst because he loves the game, he was a great, great pitcher -- so I think with all those qualities  he will be a great asset to our booth."

Valenzuela's first game as a broadcaster will be Friday when the Dodgers take on the Chicago White Sox. Before the game begins Valezuela will do something the Dodgers have wanted him to do for quite some time -- throw out the first pitch.

Ben Platt is a national correspondent for MLB.com. His interviews can be heard daily on MLB.com Radio. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.