Fernando Valenzuela, baseball star and Los Angeles Dodgers legend, passed away on October 22nd at the age of 63.
The team announced that the talented athlete died at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide further details. Valenzuela was a true powerhouse in the sport and will forever be remembered as one of the most powerful athletes of his era. The Mexican-born star inspired “Fernandomania” and had a loyal and devoted fan base, who is currently mourning his death.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 19: Fernando Valenzuela waves to fans after throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Huffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela.
In 1981, “Fernandomania” swept the baseball world when the 20-year-old rookie sensation started the season with an 8-0 record and a 0.50 ERA. The left-hander capped off a great year by winning both competitions. pic.twitter.com/a28H5Cptox
— MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2024
News of Mr. Valenzuela’s death shocked the professional baseball world and came just as the Dodgers were preparing to open the World Series against the New York Yankees.
The iconic pitcher played 17 seasons in MLB, most of them with the Dodgers. He helped LA win the World Series over the New York Yankees in 1981 and will forever be part of the building blocks of a winning team.
He made history by becoming the first player to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in the same season.
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 29: Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela poses for a photo during his naturalization ceremony at Dodger Stadium on August 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The naturalization ceremony welcomed more than 2,100 immigrants from 120 countries, including Valenzuela, who grew up in the small Mexican town of Navojoa. (Photo courtesy of Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Fernando Valenzuela captivated the baseball world in 1981. His unforgettable year included winning the National League Rookie of the Year, the Cy Young Award, and a World Series title.
We remember the Dodgers icon, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 63, as we look back at “Fernandomania.” pic.twitter.com/oAGgmddlFB
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 23, 2024
Valenzuela suddenly gave up his job as a commentator on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcasts without explanation in September, and was rumored to have been hospitalized in early October.
MLB also released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodger great Fernando Valenzuela.”
Fans and fellow players pay tribute to a true legend whose legacy continues to live on. (Related: MLB hit king Pete Rose dies at age 83)
According to reports, Valenzuela is survived by his wife Linda, four children Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda and Maria Fernanda, and seven grandchildren. TMZ.
