Dodgers Icon Fernando Valenzuela Steps Away from Broadcasting Due to Health

Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic pitcher who captured the hearts of Los Angeles Dodgers fans in the early 1980s, has announced his temporary retirement from his role as a Spanish-language radio broadcaster for the team to concentrate on his health. The Dodgers confirmed the 63-year-old legend’s decision, expressing hope for his return in the 2025 season.

Valenzuela’s significant impact on the Dodgers and the Los Angeles community is reflected in his enduring legacy. Known as “El Toro,” he became a sensation during his 1981 rookie season, winning both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award as he led the Dodgers to a World Series victory. His remarkable performance that year was characterized by a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and an impressive tally of 180 strikeouts, capturing the attention and admiration of fans far and wide.

“FernandoMania,” as it was called, marked a period of heightened excitement and baseball fervor in Southern California, drawing in a passionate Mexican American fan base that remains dedicated today. In a statement, Dodgers team president Stan Kasten remarked, “‘FernandoMania’ wasn’t just in 1981. ‘FernandoMania’ never has ended.”

Valenzuela, who played for the Dodgers from 1980 until 1991, was part of the team’s broadcasting team from 2003 onwards. His transition to broadcasting allowed him to maintain his connection to the club and its fans. Valenzuela mostly worked alongside Jaime Jarrín, a seasoned broadcaster who had served as his interpreter during his playing career. The Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcasts have persisted in Valenzuela’s absence under the leadership of Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota.

In August 2023, the Dodgers retired Valenzuela’s number 34 during an emotional pregame ceremony at Dodger Stadium, breaking from the tradition of only retiring numbers of Hall of Famers. The city of Los Angeles marked the event by declaring it “Fernando Valenzuela Day.” At the ceremony, Senator Alex Padilla, a Los Angeles native, affectionately referred to Valenzuela as “our champion, nuestro campeón.”