Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, has passed away at the age of 63, as confirmed by the team on Tuesday night. Valenzuela played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, most of which were spent with the Dodgers. He made history in 1981 by becoming the first player ever to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in the same season. This remarkable achievement was part of what became known as “Fernandomania,” a period when the 20-year-old pitcher took the league by storm, leading the Dodgers to a World Series victory over the Yankees.
Valenzuela’s influence on baseball, especially among the Mexican-American community, was profound. He was a six-time All-Star and retired with 173 wins and 2,074 strikeouts, the most by any Mexican-born pitcher. After his playing career, Valenzuela remained closely connected to the Dodgers, serving as a Spanish-language broadcaster for 22 years until earlier this year, when health concerns prompted him to step away from the microphone. Dodgers fans had hoped to see him return next season, but his unexpected passing has left the fanbase mourning.
Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten expressed his deep sorrow, stating, “He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the ‘Fernandomania’ season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since.” The team retired his iconic No. 34 jersey in 2023, cementing his place in Dodgers history.
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
Valenzuela is survived by his wife, Linda, their four children—Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda, and Maria Fernanda—and seven grandchildren. His legacy as one of baseball’s greatest icons will continue to be celebrated, as fans remember the excitement and pride he brought to the sport and the community.
