
Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Dodgers pitcher who sparked “Fernandomania” and revolutionized baseball in the 1980s, has died at 63, leaving fans and the sport mourning the loss of an iconic figure.
At a Glance
- Fernando Valenzuela, former MLB pitching phenom, passed away at 63 after battling health conditions
- As a rookie in 1981, Valenzuela won both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year with the Los Angeles Dodgers
- He helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series victory against the New York Yankees in 1981
- Valenzuela’s No. 34 is retired by the Dodgers, despite not being in the Baseball Hall of Fame
- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Valenzuela as an outstanding ambassador for baseball
The Rise of a Legend
Fernando Valenzuela, born in Navojoa, Mexico, burst onto the Major League Baseball scene in 1981 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His impact was immediate and profound, as he secured both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season. Valenzuela’s meteoric rise began when he made his first MLB start in 1981, leading to an impressive 8-0 record with five shutouts and a remarkable 0.50 ERA at the start of the season.
Valenzuela’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the 1981 season with a 13-7 record, 2.48 ERA, 11 complete games, and eight shutouts. His performance was instrumental in leading the Dodgers to a World Series victory against the New York Yankees, cementing his place in baseball history and sparking the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”
A Career of Excellence
Valenzuela’s career with the Dodgers spanned from 1980 to 1990, during which he became one of the most beloved figures in the team’s storied history. His unique pitching style, characterized by his signature “screwball” and his tendency to look skyward during his windup, captivated fans and confounded batters alike.
“Tommy Lasorda came up to me and said, ‘Are you ready to pitch tomorrow?’ I said, ‘I’m ready,'”
After his tenure with the Dodgers, Valenzuela played for several other teams before retiring in 1997. He concluded his 17-season career with an impressive record of 173-153, a 3.54 ERA, and 2,074 strikeouts. Despite not being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Valenzuela’s impact on the game was so significant that the Dodgers retired his No. 34 jersey, a rare honor for a non-Hall of Famer.
Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela has died at 63. https://t.co/YLuhqnXSvq
— KTVU (@KTVU) October 23, 2024
Legacy Beyond the Diamond
Valenzuela’s influence extended far beyond his pitching statistics. As one of the first Mexican-born players to achieve superstar status in MLB, he became an inspiration for countless Latino fans and players. His success helped pave the way for increased representation of Latin American players in the major leagues.
After retiring as a player, Valenzuela continued his association with the Dodgers, becoming their Spanish-language broadcaster in 2003. He served in this role until recently, when he stepped away to focus on his health. His passing comes just days before another iconic Dodgers-Yankees World Series meeting, adding a poignant note to the upcoming games.
Remembering a Baseball Icon
The baseball world mourns the loss of Fernando Valenzuela, recognizing his immense contributions to the sport both on and off the field. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred summed up Valenzuela’s impact, stating, “Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”
As fans and fellow players pay tribute to Valenzuela’s memory, the Dodgers have announced plans to honor him at Dodger Stadium during the World Series. His legacy as a pitcher, broadcaster, and ambassador for the game will continue to inspire future generations of baseball players and fans, ensuring that the spirit of “Fernandomania” lives on.
Dodgers phenom Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63 https://t.co/bcb1i2WdBh pic.twitter.com/FTwe7U8lcA
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) October 23, 2024