Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary pitcher whose meteoric rise with the Los Angeles Dodgers captivated baseball fans and sparked the phenomenon known as "Fernandomania," passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63, according to the Dodgers. Before the team's 2024 postseason, Valenzuela stepped away from his radio broadcast duties to prioritize his health. “He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO, in a statement.
MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred, Jr. described Valenzuela as "one of the most impactful players of his generation." Throughout his 17-year MLB career, Valenzuela earned six All-Star selections, amassed 173 wins, and recorded over 2,000 strikeouts.Valenzuela spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers and had stints with the California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and San Diego Padres. Born in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico, the youngest of 12 children, Valenzuela became one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic figures.
Part of his appeal was his unique look. With thick, long hair and a slightly stocky build, Valenzuela's iconic windup and cool demeanor, combined with his dominant pitching, endeared him to fans, particularly the Latino community.Valenzuela’s rise to fame began in 1981 when Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda named him the Opening Day starter on short notice, filling in for injured teammates. Despite having pitched just 17 relief innings in the majors, Valenzuela delivered a complete game shutout against the defending NL West champion Houston Astros. This electrifying performance ignited "Fernandomania."
In his rookie season, the 5'11", 180-pound left-hander went 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA and helped the Dodgers win the 1981 World Series. Valenzuela made history that year, becoming the only player to win both the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season.Valenzuela’s impact transcended the field. He became a cultural icon, providing the Latino community in the U.S. with a hero to rally around. Legendary broadcaster Vin Scully described "Fernandomania" as a "religious experience," and for many, it truly was. Fans flocked to Dodger Stadium wearing Valenzuela gear, while Mexican folk music played in the background. The number of Spanish-speaking ushers and Mexican radio stations covering Dodgers games surged to meet the growing demand from Hispanic fans.Valenzuela continued his dominance, making six consecutive All-Star appearances and earning two Silver Slugger Awards and a Gold Glove. His best season came in 1986 when he notched a career-high 21 wins, including 20 complete games.
After the Dodgers released him in 1991, Valenzuela played for several teams but never quite regained his dominant form. He retired in 2017, leaving behind an indelible legacy as one of baseball's most beloved and influential figures.
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