Highlights
- Legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63.
- Sparked “Fernandomania” in 1981 by winning both Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards.
- Known for his unorthodox pitching style and powerful screwball pitch.
- Helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series and threw a no-hitter in 1990.
- Played for multiple MLB teams, finishing with a career record of 173-153.
- Inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Became a U.S. citizen in 2015 and was honored by the Dodgers with a retired jersey in 2023.
- Remembered as a legendary player, broadcaster, and an inspiration to Latino fans.
Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Dodgers pitcher and Mexican baseball icon, passed away at 63 on Tuesday evening in a Los Angeles hospital.
Known for igniting a phenomenon called “Fernandomania” during his rookie year in 1981, Valenzuela leaves behind an unforgettable legacy in Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Latino community.
Valenzuela’s Rise to Fame and “Fernandomania”
Valenzuela’s journey began humbly in his small hometown of Etchohuaquila in Sonora, Mexico. He was the youngest of 12 children and grew up playing baseball with his older brothers.
Valenzuela’s big break came at 16 when he signed his first pro contract in Mexico and started to overpower older players in the Mexican Central League.
Dodgers scout Mike Brito noticed Valenzuela in 1978, while scouting a shortstop. Valenzuela’s talent was so remarkable that at just 18, he earned a spot with the Dodgers.
In 1980, Valenzuela made his MLB debut as a reliever for the Dodgers. But it was in 1981 that he became a household name. As a rookie, Valenzuela got the Opening Day start and delivered a shutout victory against the Houston Astros.
By mid-May, he had an 8-0 record with a 0.50 ERA, five shutouts, and eight complete games in his first eight starts. His unique pitching style, which involved looking skyward before delivering the ball, captured fans’ imaginations.
That season, he finished 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA and eight shutouts over 25 starts. Valenzuela became the first and only pitcher in MLB history to win both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season.
His postseason performance that year was equally magical, going 3-1 with a 2.21 ERA in five starts, leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship. Fans flocked to see his games, and the term “Fernandomania” was born.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Valenzuela was an All-Star for six consecutive seasons from 1981 to 1986. During this time, he won two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove.
On June 29, 1990, he threw a memorable no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals, a 6-0 victory that Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully called with excitement: “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”
Despite dealing with shoulder issues later in his career, Valenzuela remained competitive. He went on to play for other teams, including the then-California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals.
By the time he retired in 1997, Valenzuela had a career record of 173-153, a 3.54 ERA, and 2,074 strikeouts, making him the all-time leader in wins and strikeouts among Mexican-born players.
Dodgers’ Tribute and Fans’ Reactions
Valenzuela’s death came just as the Dodgers prepared to face the New York Yankees in the upcoming World Series, a rematch of the 1981 series in which he played a starring role.
Dodgers President Stan Kasten paid tribute, calling Valenzuela “one of the most influential Dodgers ever” and placing him on the “Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes.” He also expressed condolences to Valenzuela’s family.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged Valenzuela’s significant contributions to baseball, stating, “Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation.” He added that Valenzuela would be honored during the World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Valenzuela was a beloved figure among fans and fellow players. Actor Danny Trejo shared on X (formerly Twitter), “God bless Fernando Valenzuela!” Many others, including actor Mario Lopez and Representative Jimmy Gomez, expressed their sadness and remembered Valenzuela’s influence on their connection to the Dodgers and baseball.
A Legacy Beyond the Mound
After retiring as a player, Valenzuela remained close to the Dodgers. In 2003, he became a Spanish-language radio color commentator for the team’s broadcasts.
Twelve years later, he moved to television. His work as a broadcaster for over two decades connected him with new generations of fans.
In 2015, Valenzuela became a U.S. citizen. His connection to the Dodgers was solidified in 2023 when the team retired his No. 34 jersey.
The Dodgers had a tradition of only retiring the numbers of players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but they made an exception for Valenzuela.
He was also part of the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame and served as a coach for Mexico in several World Baseball Classics.
Valenzuela’s dedication to the sport and his community made him a role model for aspiring athletes, particularly Latino players. As a pitcher, he was known for his unorthodox delivery, screwball pitch, and versatility at the plate.
Off the field, he was an ambassador for the sport, frequently supporting MLB events and the growth of baseball in his home country.
Family and Personal Life
Fernando Valenzuela is survived by his wife, Linda, whom he married in 1981, and their children, Linda, Maria, Fernando Jr., and Ricky. He was also a proud grandfather of seven. Valenzuela’s family life was as fulfilling as his career.
His son, Fernando Jr., served as the president of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo, which Valenzuela partly owned. Ricky served as the general manager of the team, continuing the family’s baseball legacy.
Valenzuela’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of Dodgers fans and the broader baseball community. However, his legacy as a trailblazing player and an enduring connection with the Latino community will never be forgotten.
