Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who revolutionized baseball's connection with Mexican-American fans, has died at 63, according to People.
The Dodgers organization announced his passing on Tuesday night. He had recently stepped back from broadcasting duties in October 2024 due to health concerns.
The Mexican-born pitcher, who sparked the phenomenon known as "Fernandomania" during his spectacular 1981 rookie season, made history as the first and only player to win both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same season.
His remarkable debut year included starting with an 8-0 record, five shutouts, and an extraordinary 0.50 ERA, culminating in a World Series victory for the Dodgers.
Stan Kasten, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers, expressed the organization's loss:
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.
Born in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, in 1960 as the youngest of 12 children, Valenzuela's journey to baseball stardom began in Mexico's minor leagues at age 16. His professional career spanned 17 years in Major League Baseball, during which he earned six All-Star selections and captured multiple awards including two Silver Slugger Awards in 1981 and 1983.
The left-handed pitcher's accomplishments extended beyond individual accolades. He led the National League in wins in 1986, earned a Gold Glove the same year, and achieved a career highlight by throwing a no-hitter in 1990 during his final season with the Dodgers.
After retiring as a player in 1997, Valenzuela transitioned to broadcasting, becoming a Spanish-language commentator for the Dodgers in 2003. His contributions to the team continued to be recognized, culminating in the retirement of his number 34 in 2023.
Valenzuela's influence transformed the demographics of baseball attendance, particularly at Dodger Stadium, where Mexican-American fan representation increased significantly during his career. His success opened doors for future generations of Latin American players in Major League Baseball.
The pitcher's legacy was formally recognized with his induction into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum Hall of Fame in 2003. In a testament to his impact on Mexican baseball, the Mexican Baseball League retired his number 34 across all teams in 2019.
Upon the retirement of his number by the Dodgers in 2023, Valenzuela shared his gratitude:
To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor. But also for the fans — the support they've given me as a player and working for the Dodgers, this is also for them. I'm happy for all the fans and all the people who have followed my career. They're going to be very excited to know that my No. 34 is being retired.
Fernando Valenzuela's baseball career spanned nearly four decades, from his rookie sensation status to his role as a beloved broadcaster. His historic 1981 season brought unprecedented success with dual Rookie of the Year and Cy Young honors.
The legendary pitcher's impact extended far beyond statistics, transforming the relationship between baseball and the Mexican-American community. He leaves behind his wife Linda and their four children, including Fernando Jr., who followed his father's footsteps into professional baseball.
