Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican baseball star who captivated Los Angeles Dodgers fans with his incredible pitching skills and sparked the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania,” has passed away at the age of 63. The Dodgers announced that Valenzuela died on Tuesday night at a hospital in Los Angeles, although the details surrounding his death were not disclosed.
His passing coincides with the Dodgers’ preparations for the World Series, set to begin at home against the New York Yankees on Friday. Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.
Valenzuela had recently stepped down from his role as a color commentator for the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcasts without providing a reason and was reported to have been hospitalized earlier this month. He remained a familiar face at Dodger Stadium, engaging with fans who sought his autographs and photos.
Renowned for his dominant performance during the 1980s, Valenzuela won the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors in 1981, marking a historic achievement as he remains the only player to win both awards in the same season. He finished his rookie year with an impressive record of 13-7 and a 2.48 ERA, despite a player strike interrupting the season.
Stan Kasten, the team’s president and CEO, hailed Valenzuela as one of the franchise’s most significant players, whose 1981 season energized the fan base. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since,” Kasten stated.
Valenzuela’s journey from a small town in Mexico to MLB stardom resonated deeply with the Latino community in Los Angeles, helping to introduce the sport to a broader audience. Manfred noted Valenzuela’s contributions to the game, emphasizing his role as a bridge for new fans during his over two decades with the Dodgers’ broadcasting team.
On June 29, 1990, Valenzuela achieved one of the pinnacle moments of his career by throwing a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals. This iconic match is remembered for the excitement it brought to fans, marking a high point in his illustrious baseball journey.
Valenzuela’s unique pitching style and memorable screwball made him an unforgettable figure in baseball history. Despite shoulder injuries affecting his later career, he left an indelible mark, finishing with 173 wins and 2,074 strikeouts as the all-time leader among Mexican-born pitchers.
His legacy is recognized through numerous honors, including his induction into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame and the Dodgers’ retirement of his jersey number 34 in 2023.
Valenzuela emigrated to the U.S. in 1979, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 2015. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and their children, alongside seven grandchildren. His influence in baseball and significant contributions to the game and the community will not be forgotten.