If you went to a Dodger game and checked out the jerseys Chicanos wear, you might think Fernando Mania was in full swing. Chicanos love representing the pudgy Mexican pitcher who made his debut with the Dodgers late in the 1980 season. He won the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in 1981. Mexicans went crazy over Fernando. Twenty-seven years later, they’re still going crazy.

What you’ll need:

• Fernando Valenzuela jersey. If you don’t already own one, borrow one. If you know any Chicano Dodgers fans, chances are your friend will own a jersey. Promise to keep it clean. Seriously. You don’t want to return it with beer or wine stains.
• Baseball raglan tee (great if it’s a cold night)
• Dodgers official Starters cap
• White or grey pants to match your jersey (sweats could work)
• Blue belt
• Cleats or sneakers and baseball socks
• Mitt and baseball
• Pansa or beer belly
• Shaggy hair
• World Series ring
• Master the crazy wind up and don’t speak English

You’ll be a hit with Dodger fans no matter how the playoffs go. If the team turns things around, you’ll bring a smile to fans’ faces as they recall a successful postseason. If the playoffs don’t end well, you’ll remind fans of the team’s success in the ’80s rather than recent disappointments.

While waiting for a friend in Westwood, I had some free time to duck into a shop. I chose Aahs! — a gift shop with a busy Halloween window display — to check out costumes and accessories.

As I expected, the ready-to-wear costumes kind of suck. They’re cheaply made, unoriginal and often offensive to ethnic minorities. For women who don’t want to bare lots of skin, there are few choices. The men’s costumes make a poor attempt at frat boy humor. Kids costumes buy in to boring gender norms. And girls’ costumes are inappropriately revealing (short skirts, form-fitting dresses, bare midriffs). And don’t even mention couples costumes.

Oh, and the costumes can be pricey. So what are you supposed to do for Halloween if you want to be original, not spend a lot (recession, anyone?) and have fun?

Do it yourself.

I know, I know. You may not be particularly crafty or creative, but that’s why we have the internet.

Last year’s Halloween on a Budget costume ideas:

• La Chilindrina
• Frida Kahlo
• La Adelita
• Scarecrow
• Cantinflas
• Old School Chola
• El Chapulín Colorado
• Vendedor de Flores
• Oscar de la Hoya
• Antonio y Mirthala

More to come!