Dodgers Legendary Pitcher, Broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela Dies at 63
Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has died, the team announced on Tuesday night. He was 63.
The baseball icon played 17 seasons in MLB from 1980-91 and 1993-97. Although he played for six different clubs, he spent the most time with the Dodgers. In Los Angeles, he became the first player to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in the same season.
Valenzuela was also the first rookie to lead the majors in strikeouts. In 1981, Valenzuela helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title as a 20-year-old rookie. The 1981 season created the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”
Valenzuela was named the Opening Day starter on April 8, 1981 after starting pitcher Jerry Reuss sustained an injury. He pitched a complete game in the 2-0 victory over the Houston Astros. His began the 1981 season with a 8-0 record and an ERA of 0.50.
Valenzuela’s rise to stardom began in 1980. In September, the left-hander was called up from the minors by the Dodgers. Pitching in relief, he allowed zero earned runs in 10 games.
Valenzuela was nicknamed “El Toro” by fans. He was a workhorse starter and emerged as one of the league’s top pitchers.
He played for the Dodgers, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, St. Louis Cardinals, and the then-California Angels.
Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers franchise in 2003 as a Spanish broadcaster, joining Jaime Jarrín and Pepe Yñiguez in the booth.
The Dodgers officially retired Valenzuela’s number 34 in a pre-game ceremony on Aug. 11, 2023. He became just one of two non-Hall of Fame Dodgers to have their jersey numbers retired by the franchise.
The celebratory three-day event from Aug. 11-13 was dubbed as “Fernandomania weekend” as the team inducted the former pitcher to the Dodgers Ring of Honor.
Valenzuela was the catalyst for bringing the Latino community to Chavez Ravine, a feat no other player could’ve accomplished. He single-handedly restored the relationship between the Dodgers and the city’s Mexican community.
Valenzuela is credited with popularizing the game of baseball among Mexican-American fans. “El Toro” became a hero to many Latino fans and paved the way for other Mexican players to reach the majors.
Valenzuela’s success also opened the door for other players from underrepresented communities. His impact went beyond the mound, Valenzuela instilled pride among Latino immigrants and helped the group embrace a piece of American culture.
Valenzuela was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame on Aug. 23, 2003.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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