Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers who sparked “Fernandomania,” has passed away at the age of 63. The Dodgers announced his death, which occurred on Tuesday night in a Los Angeles hospital, though they did not disclose the cause or any additional details.
Valenzuela’s passing comes as the Dodgers are set to begin the World Series against the New York Yankees on Friday night. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred stated that Valenzuela will be honored during the Series at Dodger Stadium.
After a successful 17-season career in Major League Baseball, Valenzuela transitioned to a role as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers starting in 2003. He had recently stepped back from his broadcasting duties to focus on his health ahead of the playoffs, according to the team.
Valenzuela, a native of Navojoa, Mexico, made waves in the baseball world after being called up late in the 1980 season. He exploded onto the scene during the strike-shortened 1981 season, taking over as a starter after injuries to other pitchers. He achieved remarkable success, starting the season with an 8-0 record and a minuscule 0.50 ERA, which included five shutouts.
Reflecting on his early career, Valenzuela recalled being asked by manager Tommy Lasorda if he was ready to pitch, to which he confidently replied, “I’m ready.” His unique pitching style and charismatic presence quickly endeared him to fans, and he became especially popular among the Latino community.
Though not elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Valenzuela’s memorabilia is housed at Cooperstown, including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990. He finished the 1981 season with a record of 13-7 and ranked first in the National League in innings pitched and strikeouts, earning both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards.
Valenzuela went on to make six consecutive All-Star appearances and won another World Series title with the Dodgers in 1988. His legacy remains significant, marked by his influence on the franchise and its fanbase. Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO, remarked that Valenzuela was one of the most influential players in the team’s history and extended condolences to his family.
Over his career with the Dodgers from 1980 to 1990, Valenzuela pitched a no-hitter on June 29, 1990, and maintained impressive statistics, including 141 wins and 1,759 strikeouts. His contributions to the game also extended beyond his playing days, as he became an ambassador for baseball and continued to connect with fans as a broadcaster.
Valenzuela was released by the Dodgers in 1991 and went on to pitch for multiple teams before retiring in 1997. He returned to the Dodgers’ broadcast team in 2003 and had his No. 34 retired by the franchise in August 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, their two daughters, and seven grandchildren. Valenzuela’s rise from his humble beginnings in Mexico to become a beloved figure in baseball is a testament to his character and talent, inspiring generations of fans.