FERNANDO VALENZUELA has died aged 63.
The iconic pitcher achieved legendary status with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1980s.
Fernando Valenzuela became a Dodger legend during the 1980s[/caption]
Valenzuela went on to serve as the team’s Spanish-language radio color analyst[/caption]
Born and raised in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, Valenzuela moved to the States after being acquired by the Dodgers in 1979.
He became an instant hit in Los Angeles, hitting the ground running as a rookie and attracting attention for his unusual southpaw “screwball”.
His incredible popularity was dubbed “Fernandomania” – with members of LA’s Latino community immediately taking to him.
Valenzuela’s 1981 MLB season would go down in legend, with the Mexican becoming the first player to win the league’s Rookie of the Year Award and Cy Young Award for best pitcher in the same year.
That season would finish in glory, with Valenzuela helping the Dodgers win their fifth World Series.
He also earned the first of six All-Star appearances during his career.
Valenzuela would eventually be released by his beloved Dodgers in 1991, before brief stints with the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St Louis Cardinals.
The Dodgers remained the team in Valenzuela’s heart, however, and he returned in 2003 to serve as the team’s Spanish-language radio color analyst.
He worked in the role for 20 years, before going on leave prior to this season in order to focus on his health.
Last year, his No34 jersey was retired by the Dodgers.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred paid tribute to Valenzuela in a statement.
“Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation,” Manfred began. “With his distinctive pitching style, the Dodgers left-hander’s rookie season generated so much excitement in the U.S. and his native Mexico that it became commonly referred to as ‘Fernandomania.’
“His 1981 season ranks among the most decorated pitching years of all-time as Fernando was the National League Rookie of the Year, the NL Cy Young Award winner, a Silver Slugger and a World Series champion.
“Following his memorable career, Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball. He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country.
‘A BELOVED FIGURE IN DODGER HISTORY’
“As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game.
“Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”
The Dodgers are set to commence their World Series battle with the New York Yankees on Friday.
“We will honor Fernando’s memory during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium,” Manfred, 66, confirmed. “On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Fernando’s family, the Dodgers, his friends across the game, and all the loyal baseball fans of Mexico.”
Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten added, “On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando. He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes.
“He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster.
“He has left us all too soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.”
In 2021, Valenzuela was asked about the legacy that he would like to leave behind, 40 years on from “Fernandomania”.
“It would be really great if they remembered me as someone who always tried his best to always give them a good show,” he said. “So that they could have fun with this beautiful game.”
