Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic Mexican pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who ignited “Fernandomania” and clinched the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors in 1981, has passed away at the age of 63. The team announced that he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital but did not disclose the cause of death.
Valenzuela’s passing occurs just days before the Dodgers are set to begin the World Series against the New York Yankees on Friday. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred indicated that Valenzuela would be commemorated during the series at Dodger Stadium.
Recently, Valenzuela stepped down from his role as a color commentator for the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcasts, and it was reported that he had been hospitalized earlier this month. His presence at Dodger Stadium was well-known, as he was a favorite among fans who sought him for photos and autographs.
“He was an instrumental part of the Dodgers’ history and an icon among the fan base,” said Stan Kasten, the team’s president and CEO. “His impact during the 1981 season and subsequent years has left an indelible mark on our hearts.”
Valenzuela’s journey from being the youngest of 12 children in Mexico to Major League Baseball stardom resonated deeply within Los Angeles’ Latino community. Even years after his retirement, fans continued to celebrate his legacy. Actor Mario Lopez expressed his sentiments on social media, saying, “63 is way too young… A piece of my childhood is gone. Growing up as a Mexican kid, one of the main reasons I’m a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando.”
In 1981, Valenzuela made history as the Dodgers’ opening day starter, stepping in after Jerry Reuss was injured just before the game. He achieved a remarkable start, shutting out the Houston Astros and beginning the season with an 8-0 record and an astonishing ERA of 0.50. He became the first player in MLB history to simultaneously earn the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Awards.
His dynamic play sparked widespread excitement among fans, contributing to the legendary “Fernandomania” phenomenon. Vin Scully, the Hall of Fame broadcaster, famously declared, “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!” during Valenzuela’s no-hitter on June 29, 1990.
Valenzuela had an exceptional MLB career, including being a six-time All-Star from 1981 to 1986, with 97 wins and a 2.97 ERA during that span. He retired in 1997 with a career record of 173-153 and remains the all-time leader in wins and strikeouts by a Mexican-born player.
Aside from his accomplishments on the mound, Valenzuela later transitioned into a broadcasting career, where he continued to engage fans and promote baseball, particularly within the Latino community. He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Dodgers retired his number 34 in 2023, an exception to their usual criteria.
Valenzuela is survived by his wife, Linda, and their two daughters, as well as seven grandchildren. His lasting impact on the game and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind will be cherished by fans and players alike.