Remarkable Secrets of Fernando Valenzuela's Life & Death 2024

Fernando Valenzuela, a name synonymous with "Fernandomania," passed away at 63. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Valenzuela died on Tuesday night at a hospital in Los Angeles. The team did not disclose the cause of death or any additional details. His passing occurred as the Dodgers prepared for the upcoming World Series against the New York Yankees.

Valenzuela’s impact on Major League Baseball was monumental, especially during his standout 1981 season when he won both the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year. That same year, the Dodgers went on to win the World Series, cementing Valenzuela’s legacy in the sport. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that Valenzuela would be honoured during the World Series at Dodger Stadium.

The Rise of "El Toro" and Fernandomania

Fernando Valenzuela, born in Navojoa, Mexico, took the baseball world by storm in 1981. He was called up as a reliever towards the end of the 1980 season but quickly found his place in the starting rotation after Jerry Reuss's injury. In his first start, he led the Dodgers to a 2-0 victory against the Houston Astros, beginning his season with an 8-0 record and an impressive 0.50 ERA.

Valenzuela's unorthodox pitching style, combined with his iconic look skyward during each windup, drew massive crowds, particularly from the Latino community. His signature screwball pitch, which he learned from teammate Bobby Castillo, became one of the defining features of his game. His warmups would often play to the tune of ABBA's hit song "Fernando," further endearing him to fans.

Valenzuela's 1981 performance was unprecedented. He finished the season with a 13-7 record, an ERA of 2.48, and led the National League with 192 1/3 innings pitched. He also topped the majors with 180 strikeouts. That year, Valenzuela became the first player in MLB history to win both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season. His rise was the spark for "Fernandomania," a period where fans, particularly Latino fans, came out in droves to witness his remarkable talent.

A Career Filled with Highlights

Valenzuela's career with the Dodgers spanned from 1980 to 1990, including a no-hitter on June 29, 1990, in a 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully famously called the game, exclaiming, "If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!" after Valenzuela’s achievement.

From 1983 to 1987, Valenzuela was a workhorse for the Dodgers, averaging 262 innings pitched per season. In 1986, he won a league-high 21 games and threw 20 complete games. His streak of 255 consecutive starts ended in 1988 due to injury, but his contributions to the team during those seven seasons were unparalleled.

Despite his success, injuries began to take a toll, particularly a shoulder issue that affected his later career. Nevertheless, Valenzuela helped the Dodgers to another World Series title in 1988, though he did not pitch in the postseason. Over his 17-season career, he amassed a 173-153 record, a 3.54 ERA, and 2,074 strikeouts.

Valenzuela retired in 1997 after pitching for several other teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. He remains one of the Dodgers' all-time leaders in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched.

A Lasting Legacy Beyond the Mound

Valenzuela's influence extended beyond his playing career. Starting in 2003, he became a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers, a role he held for over 20 years. Valenzuela also served as a coach for the Mexican team during several World Baseball Classic tournaments and was a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigress de Quintana Roo.

Valenzuela's contributions to the sport were recognised in 2023 when the Dodgers retired his No. 34 jersey, breaking their tradition of only retiring the numbers of Hall of Famers. The number had remained unofficially retired since Valenzuela’s release from the team in 1991, a testament to his impact on the franchise.

In addition to his work in baseball, Valenzuela became a U.S. citizen in 2015 and continued to be a beloved figure in Los Angeles, particularly within the Latino community. His humble beginnings in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, and his rise to stardom resonated with many, making him an icon both on and off the field.

A Beloved Figure in Baseball

Fernando Valenzuela is survived by his wife Linda, whom he married in 1981, as well as his sons Fernando Jr. and Ricky, daughters Linda and Maria, and seven grandchildren. His death marks the end of an era for Dodgers fans and the baseball community as a whole.

Rob Manfred, MLB commissioner, said in a statement: "Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball. He consistently supported the growth of the game across his home country and inspired millions of Latino fans."

Valenzuela’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in Dodgers history will never be forgotten, and his contributions to the sport and his community will continue to inspire future generations.