Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela Dies at 63

Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary pitcher who sparked ‘Fernandomania’ in the 1980s, has passed away at the age of 63. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced his death on Tuesday night, just days before the team was set to open the World Series against the New York Yankees.

Valenzuela, born in Navojoa, Mexico, made his major league debut in 1980 as a reliever but quickly became a sensation in the strike-shortened 1981 season. After Jerry Reuss was injured, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda gave Valenzuela his first start, and he responded with a 2-0 victory over the Houston Astros, beginning the season with an 8-0 record, including five shutouts, and an 0.50 ERA.

Valenzuela’s 1981 season was historic, as he became the first player to win both the National League Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season. He led the National League with 192⅓ innings pitched and topped the majors with 180 strikeouts. This performance was the start of six straight All-Star appearances for the left-hander.

Valenzuela spent 11 of his 17 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Dodgers, leading the team to two World Series titles in 1981 and 1988. He was known for his signature windup, high leg kick, and virtually unhittable screwball. He finished his career with a 173-153 record, 3.54 ERA, and 2,074 strikeouts after pitching for several other teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals.

After his playing career, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as a Spanish-language broadcaster in 2003, a role he held until he stepped away to focus on his health in October 2024. The Dodgers retired his No. 34 jersey in August 2023, breaking their tradition of only retiring numbers for Hall of Famers.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Valenzuela as “one of the most impactful players of his generation” and noted his contributions to the game both on and off the field. Valenzuela’s legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, as he inspired a new generation of fans and played a significant role in growing the game’s popularity among Latino communities.