It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of Fernando Valenzuela, one of the most iconic and influential players in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The legendary left-handed pitcher, who sparked a phenomenon known as “Fernandomania” during his storied career, died on Tuesday evening at the age of 63.
Despite not disclosing the specific cause of death, the Dodgers organization announced Valenzuela’s passing in a Los Angeles hospital. Valenzuela had recently stepped away from his role as a Spanish-language announcer for the Dodgers, citing a need to “focus on his health.”
A meteoric rise to stardom
Legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito discovered Valenzuela in 1978 after he honed his skills in his native Mexico. At just 18 years old, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers and quickly made his way through the minor league system, making his MLB debut in September 1980.
The following season, Valeria’s career skyrocketed. Due to an injury to Jerry Reuss, the young pitcher from Mexico took on the Opening Day starting role and excelled, shutting out the Houston Astros 2-0. This set the stage for a remarkable rookie campaign, as Valenzuela reeled off an 8-0 record with a minuscule 0.50 ERA through his first eight starts, complete with five shutouts.
Valenzuela’s electrifying performances and unique pitching style, which included a signature screwball, sparked a nationwide phenomenon dubbed “Fernandomania.” Fans flocked to stadiums across the country to witness the young phenom, and he quickly became a beloved figure not only in Los Angeles but throughout the Latino community.
The Team Had A Cy Young And Rookie Of The Year Award-Winning Season
Valenzuela’s incredible 1981 season culminated in him becoming the first—and still only—pitcher in MLB history to win both the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same year. He finished the season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and an astonishing eight shutouts in just 25 starts.
Valenzuela’s success carried over into the postseason, as he helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship that year, going 3-1 with a 2.21 ERA in five starts. His dominant performance cemented his status as a true Dodgers legend and a source of immense pride for the Latino community.
Lasting Legacy and Dodgers Icon
Over the course of his 17-year MLB career, Valenzuela continued to be a force on the mound, earning six All-Star selections and throwing a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1990. He finished his career with a respectable 173-153 record and a 3.54 ERA, solidifying his place as one of the greatest Dodgers pitchers of all time.
“Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement. “Following his memorable career, Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball. He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country.”
After retiring as a player, Valenzuela remained closely connected to the Dodgers organization, serving as a Spanish-language color commentator for the team’s broadcasts for over two decades. His passing has left a profound impact on the Dodgers community and the broader baseball world.
Tributes and remembrances
The news of Valenzuela’s passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from across the baseball landscape. Stan Kasten, the Dodgers’ president and CEO, eloquently summed up Valenzuela’s legacy, 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, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He departed from our lives far too soon.
Actors and Dodgers fans alike have taken to social media to express their grief and share their memories of the beloved pitcher. Danny Trejo, a renowned actor and lifelong Dodgers supporter, posted a heartfelt message, saying, “God bless Fernando Valenzuela!”
Mario Lopez, a Mexican-American co-host of “Access Hollywood,” expressed the profound impact of Valeria, stating, “A part of my childhood has vanished.” Growing up as a Mexican kid, Fernando was one of the main reasons I became a Dodgers fan. Fernando is not just an exceptional athlete but also a remarkable individual within the community. What a legend.”
Honoring a Cherished Dodgers Icon
In recognition of Valenzuela’s immense contributions to the Dodgers and the game of baseball, the team has announced that they will honor his memory during the upcoming World Series, which will be a rematch of the 1981 series in which Valenzuela played a pivotal role.
Manfred, in his statement, acknowledged Valenzuela’s enduring legacy, saying, “Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”
Valenzuela’s journey from his humble beginnings in Mexico to becoming an Dodgers icon and a trailblazer for Latino players in Major League Baseball is a testament to his exceptional talent, charisma, and enduring impact on the sport. His passing at the age of 63 is a profound loss for the Dodgers organization, the baseball community, and the countless fans whose lives he touched.
As the Dodgers prepare to take the field for the World Series, they will undoubtedly carry the spirit of Fernando Valenzuela with them, honoring the memory of a true Dodgers legend who left an indelible mark on the game and inspired generations of fans across the world.
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