Legendary Mexican Pitcher and ‘Fernandomanía’ Icon, Fernando Valenzuela, Dies at 63
Man, this one really hits hard. The Los Angeles Dodgers just announced that the legendary Fernando Valenzuela has passed away. He was 63. For those of us who grew up watching the Dodgers or hearing stories about “Fernandomania,” it feels like losing a part of our childhood.
Fernando first joined the Dodgers back in ’79, and then made his debut at the end of 1980. But it was 1981 when he really became a household name. Seriously, if you were in LA back then, you couldn’t escape “Fernandomania.” Everyone was talking about him, and every time he pitched, it was like the whole city stopped to watch.
That rookie year was just unreal. He went 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA, pitched 192.1 innings, and had 11 complete games, with eight shutouts! He even led the league in strikeouts. Oh, and did I mention he won Rookie of the Year, the Cy Young, and almost snagged the MVP? Insane, right?
Fernando stuck with the Dodgers until 1990, and what a run it was. Over those 11 seasons, he racked up 141 wins, a 3.31 ERA, and struck out 1,759 batters over more than 2,300 innings. He really became a part of the Dodgers’ legacy. After that, he kept playing for a few more years with other teams like the Angels, Orioles, Phillies, Padres, and Cardinals. But let’s be real, he’ll always be remembered as a Dodger.
Fernando Valenzuela captivated the baseball world in 1981. His unforgettable year included winning the NL Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award & a World Series title.
We honor the memory of the Dodgers icon, who passed away Tuesday at age 63, with a look back at “Fernandomania.” pic.twitter.com/oAGgmddlFB
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 23, 2024
After hanging up his glove in ’97, Fernando joined the Dodgers’ broadcast team in 2003, bringing that same passion and love for the game to the fans. He was with the team for two decades before stepping back earlier this year because of his health.
Just last year, the Dodgers retired his iconic No. 34 jersey. It was such a special moment—one of those things you just had to see if you’re a fan. They did a whole three-day celebration for him, and he became just the second non-Hall-of-Famer to get that honor from the Dodgers. In 2019, the Mexican Baseball League also retired his jersey, which shows how much of an impact he made beyond the MLB.
It’s hard to put into words what Fernando Valenzuela meant to so many of us. He wasn’t just a baseball player—he was a symbol of pride, especially for the Latino community in LA and beyond. He showed that with hard work and heart, you could make it big, no matter where you came from. Rest in peace, Fernando. You’ll be missed, but your legacy will live on forever.
