Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who sparked the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania,” has passed away at the age of 63. The Dodgers confirmed that Valenzuela died on Tuesday night at a hospital in Los Angeles, although they did not disclose the cause of death.
Valenzuela’s passing coincides with the Dodgers’ preparations for the World Series, set to begin on Friday at home against the New York Yankees. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that Valenzuela will be honored during the Series at Dodger Stadium.
After a remarkable 17-year playing career in Major League Baseball, Valenzuela transitioned to a role as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers in 2003. He had recently stepped back from his broadcasting duties to focus on his health prior to the playoffs, according to the team.
Valenzuela made his MLB debut late in the 1980 season and captured the attention of the baseball world during the shortened 1981 season. Following an injury to pitcher Jerry Reuss just before Opening Day, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda entrusted the ball to the 20-year-old Valenzuela, who had never started a game at the major league level. Valenzuela responded with an impressive victory over the Houston Astros and went on to finish the season with an outstanding 8-0 record, featuring five shutouts and an impressive 0.50 ERA.
Valenzuela’s unique pitching style and eye-catching windup made him a crowd favorite, and his screwball became his signature pitch. He often captivated audiences with ABBA’s “Fernando” playing during his warmups, drawing large crowds of Latino fans excited to see “El Toro” in action.
Although he has not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Valenzuela’s legacy is commemorated at Cooperstown, where several items, including a signed ball from his no-hitter in 1990, are on display.
Stan Kasten, president and CEO of the Dodgers, described Valenzuela as one of the most influential figures in the team’s history, saying, “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981.” Kasten expressed deep condolences to Valenzuela’s family, noting that he had left a lasting impact on the franchise.
Valenzuela played for the Dodgers from 1980 until 1990 and pitched a memorable no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 29, 1990. His career was marked by successful seasons, including leading the league in innings pitched and strikeouts multiple times.
After hanging up his cleats in 1997, Valenzuela built a lasting legacy as a baseball ambassador and continued to engage with fans through his broadcasting career with the Dodgers. The team recently officially retired his number 34, a gesture that acknowledged his contributions to the franchise and its community.
In addition to his sons, Valenzuela is survived by his wife Linda, daughters Linda and Maria, and seven grandchildren. His impact on baseball and the Latino community is profound, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.