Fernando Valenzuela, the beloved Mexican-born pitcher who captivated fans and became a cultural icon during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died at the age of 63. The Dodgers and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed his death on Tuesday, though no cause was provided. Valenzuela had recently stepped away from his role as a Dodgers broadcaster to focus on his health, with plans to return in 2025.
Valenzuela’s rise to fame began in 1981 when, at just 20 years old, he became a sensation with his unique screwball pitch and signature windup that included a skyward gaze. He opened the 1981 season with eight consecutive wins, five of which were shutouts. That same year, he made history as the only player to ever win both the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season. His dominance extended into the postseason, where he pitched a complete game in the World Series, helping the Dodgers overcome the New York Yankees.
Valenzuela’s sudden success gave birth to the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania,” with fans flocking to Dodger Stadium and stadiums across the country to watch him pitch. His impact extended far beyond the sport. Mexican flags filled the stands, Spanish-language broadcasts increased, and the Dodgers hired more bilingual staff to accommodate the influx of Latino fans. Dodgers announcer Vin Scully described the movement as a “religious experience” for many. Dusty Baker, a former teammate, said Valenzuela’s rise was about more than baseball, calling it a source of pride for the entire Latino community.
Throughout his career, Valenzuela earned six All-Star selections and won two Silver Slugger awards. His best season came in 1986, when he recorded 21 wins. In 1990, he added to his legacy by pitching a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals. Valenzuela’s later years were less consistent, but he continued playing with other major league teams, including the Angels, Padres, and Cardinals, before retiring in 2017. Despite leaving the field, he remained connected to the Dodgers, serving as a Spanish-language broadcaster beginning in 2003.
The Dodgers retired Valenzuela’s number 34 jersey in 2023, an extraordinary honor for a player who had not been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, further reflecting his unique impact on the franchise. His career not only brought the Dodgers success but also bridged cultural divides, creating new connections between the team and the Latino community.
Valenzuela was born in the small town of Etchohuaquila, Mexico, where he developed his passion for baseball. He was scouted and signed by the Dodgers at 17, beginning a career that would inspire generations. His contributions reached beyond sports, as even U.S. President Ronald Reagan once invited him to the White House to honor his influence during a visit from Mexico’s president.
Valenzuela is survived by his wife, Linda, their four children, and seven grandchildren. Rob Manfred called him “one of the most impactful players of his generation,” while Dodgers President Stan Kasten described him as a key figure in the history of the franchise. Valenzuela will be honored during the upcoming World Series, a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy transcends baseball.
As Vin Scully once famously said after one of Valenzuela’s victories, “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”
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