Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Major League Baseball pitcher known for his transformative impact on the sport, has died at age 63.
The former Los Angeles Dodgers phenom passed away just days before his old team faces the New York Yankees in a World Series rematch, as Fox News reports.
Valenzuela's death was announced by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who refrained from revealing the cause of his passing. The baseball icon died on Tuesday after struggling with unnamed health issues. His demise has sent waves of mourning throughout the baseball community and beyond.
Born in Navojoa, Mexico, Valenzuela became a Major League star when he debuted with the Dodgers in 1980 at the young age of 20. Initially used as a relief pitcher, his talent quickly caught the eye of Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. By the 1981 season, he was thrust into the spotlight, stepping up as an Opening Day starter when Jerry Reuss was injured.
Valenzuela's unforgettable rookie season began with a shutout victory against the Houston Astros, propelling him to an extraordinary 8-0 start with five shutouts and an ERA of just 0.50. His extraordinary performance earned him both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors in 1981. These accolades highlighted his essential contribution to the Dodgers’ World Series triumph over the Yankees that year.
The 1981 season saw Valenzuela finishing with a 13-7 record, with his efforts instrumental in propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to their World Series victory. His 192 innings pitched led the National League, and he also topped Major League Baseball with 180 strikeouts during the strike-shortened season, which cemented his reputation as a formidable pitcher.
After a decade with the Dodgers, Valenzuela moved on to play for several teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. Despite leaving the Dodgers, his legacy with the team has never waned.
Fernando Valenzuela retired with impressive career statistics: a 173-153 win-loss record, a career ERA of 3.54, and 2,074 strikeouts. He achieved two World Series championships, remaining the only Dodger to have his jersey number, 34, retired without induction to the Baseball Hall of Fame, showing the profound respect he commanded among fans and fellow players alike.
Beyond his playing days, Valenzuela served as the Dodgers' Spanish-language broadcaster starting in 2003, a position he held for over two decades. This role allowed him to connect with and inspire a new generation of fans, particularly within the Latino community. Valenzuela recently left this role to concentrate on his health.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred commented, stating, "Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball," praising Valenzuela's efforts in promoting the sport globally, through the World Baseball Classic and other MLB initiatives in Mexico.
The Dodgers are set to honor their beloved former pitcher at Dodger Stadium during the World Series, starting with Game 1 on Friday night in Los Angeles. This tribute is a testament to his lasting influence on and off the field, as the team seeks to commemorate his contributions during a pivotal moment in their history.
Valenzuela’s unexpected passing comes shortly before the Dodgers and Yankees meet in their 12th World Series contest, the first encounter between these iconic teams since Valenzuela’s rookie year. The timing emphasizes the cyclical nature of sports history and Valenzuela's enduring legacy within it.
In reflecting on his impact, Rob Manfred added, "Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired." His contributions continue to resonate, reminding us of the unique and lasting mark he left on the sport.
