Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary pitcher whose incredible rise to stardom with the Los Angeles Dodgers, tragically lost his life on Tuesday, according to the Dodgers.
He was 63.
No cause of death was given.
Dodgers president Stan Kasten released a statement mourning him:
“On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando. 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.”
Statement from Stan Kasten, CEO of the Dodgers, who retired Fernando Valenzuela’s number 14 months ago … pic.twitter.com/tVltizUKPW
— Alden González (@Alden_Gonzalez) October 23, 2024
The Dodgers announced on Oct. 2 that Valenzuela would step away from the broadcast booth to focus on his health and aim to return for the 2025 season.
His sudden demise is a shock to everybody as the Dodgers are set to begin the World Series on Friday against the New York Yankees.
After starting his professional career in Mexico, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979 and made his MLB debut in 1980 at the age of 19.
Fernando Valenzuela Captivated Fans With “Fernandomania” In The 1980s
Fernando Valenzuela, a 20-year-old from Etchohuaquila, Sonora, arrived in MLB after a journey that included his time in the minors and notable performances in Mexican baseball.
His first game in the 1981 season was one to remember.
Valenzuela threw a complete game and struck out five batters, leading Los Angeles to a 2-0 victory over the Astros.
With 24 hours notice, Valenzuela was thrown into the global spotlight after Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda named him the team’s Opening Day starting pitcher due to last-minute injuries to the club’s first two starters.
The previously unknown rookie pitcher became a phenomenon as he followed his Opening Day performance with seven wins over his next seven starts.
Famed Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully described “Fernandomania” as a “religious experience,” and Fernando Valenzuela would live on forever in history.
In 1981, he won Rookie of the Year, the Cy Young Award, and a World Series ring, having had one of the greatest rookie years in the history of professional sports.
