Mexican Baseball Star Fernando Valenzuela Passes Away at Age 63
Fernando Valenzuela, a famous pitcher born in Mexico who wowed fans with his unique style and charm, died on October 22, 2024, at the age of 63. Major League Baseball (MLB) will never be the same without Valenzuela. He is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”
Early Career and Rise to Fame
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela joined the Dodgers in 1979 and played his first Major League Baseball game in September 1980. The 1981 season, on the other hand, really made him a star. Jerry Reuss got hurt, so Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda gave the ball to Valenzuela, who was only 19 years old and had never started a big league game before. The next game, Valenzuela beat the Houston Astros 2-0. He started the season with an excellent 8-0 record, five shutouts, and an earned run average of 0.50. This great start caused “Fernandomania,” a movement in which a lot of Latino fans flocked to Dodger Stadium.
Accolades and Achievements
Fernando Valenzuela’s no-hitter in 1990 with Vin Scully on the call pic.twitter.com/fkLICe0JN0
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 23, 2024
In his first season, Valenzuela made history by becoming the first player to win both the Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award. He had an ERA of 2.48, 11 full games, and 8 shutouts by the end of the 1981 season. He pitched for 17 seasons and had an ERA of 3.54 and 2,074 strikeouts. His win-loss record was 173–153. He was an All-Star six times, helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1981, and won the Silver Slugger award in both 1981 and 1983.
Legacy and Post-Retirement
Fernando Valenzuela had an impact that lasted beyond his playing career. He kept involved with baseball after retiring in 1997, serving as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers. This enabled them to reach a new demographic of admirers. His number, 34, was retired by the Dodgers in August 2023, making him one of the team’s all-time great players.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela.
“Fernandomania” swept through baseball in 1981 when the 20-year old rookie sensation began the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA. The lefthander capped off his incredible year by winning both the… pic.twitter.com/a28H5Cptox
— MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela died on October 22, 2024, at the age of 63. He will be missed by his friends and the baseball world. People remember him not only for how great he was at throwing but also for how he could connect with fans and make the sport fun.
