The legendary Dodgers pitcher behind “Fernandomania,” Fernando Valenzuela, died on Tuesday night at 63. The Dodgers reported his death, stating he died in a hospital in Los Angeles but gave no more details. Due to health complications, Valenzuela had just resigned from his position as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the team, a position he held for over two decades.
Valenzuela was a vital part of the Dodgers’ roster from 1980 to 1990 and later pitched for teams like the Angels, Cardinals, Orioles, Padres, and Phillies. Throughout his career, he pitched 2,930 innings, accumulated 2,074 strikeouts, posted a 3.54 ERA, and gathered a record of 173- 153. He was a top – five finalist for the Cy Young Award three times and won the award once.
As one of the best Dodgers of all time, Valenzuela’s passing deeply affected Dodgers chairman Stan Kasten and expressed his grief. Kasten noted that his” Fernandomania” period in 1981 had a huge influence on the fans.
In his homage to Valenzuela, commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, called him one of the most important players of his generation and acknowledged his role in growing baseball, primarily among Latino fans in the United States.
Valenzuela, known for his unique pitching style, became a star player in 1981. The Mexican – born left-hander earned an Opening Day launch for the Dodgers and pitched a shutout against the Houston Astros, setting the stage for one of the most remarkable seasons in baseball history.
With eight full games in 8 starts, five shutouts, and a 0.50 period, Valenzuela had an outstanding 8- 0 record by mid-May 1981. He gained a 2.48 period, a 13-7 record, and eight shutouts in 25 starts at the end of the season. He was the only player to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in the same season because of his performances.
Across the major leagues, Valenzuela’s appearance drew sizable crowds who were eager to watch him play. He became a sports and cultural megastar in both the U.S. and Mexico due to his thrilling performances and distinctive personality.
Valenzuela finished his remarkable 1981 season by going 3- 1 with a 2.21 ERA in five postseason appearances and helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
In the times that followed, Valenzuela kept up his brilliant play, being named to the All- Star team for his first 6 complete major league seasons. A highlight of his career was pitching a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 29, 1990.
Major League Baseball will pay tribute to Valenzuela’s memory at the forthcoming World Series, MLB manager Rob Manfred revealed. The 1981 World Series, in which Valenzuela was a crucial player, will be rematched between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
Particularly among the millions of Latino fans he inspired, Valenzuela’s heritage as a Dodgers star and his wider impact on baseball will be honored as part of the sport’s rich history. Although en era has come to an end with his passing, his influence on the game will go on for decades.
