On Tuesday, 01st October, there were reports that Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela had been hospitalized and then later on, the news was finally broken by Mexican journalist David Faitelson on his X account.
What happened to LA Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela?
There were growing concerns after Fernando Valenzuela withdrew from his duties with the Spanish broadcast of the Dodgers, where in no time he had become a fan favourite. The exact reason for his absence is still unknown as his family prefers to maintain privacy on the matter.
The first 10 years spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers were massive for Valenzuela. During his time with the team, he went on to win the All-Star six times, won the NL Rookie of the Year award, NL Cy Young, Gold Glove, two Silver Slugger awards and to add cherry on the top, he also won the World Series.
The team, Los Angeles Dodgers honored his achievements as they retired his No. 34 Jersey on 11th August, 2023.
Fernando Valenzuela's journey
After impressing everybody with his performances in the Mexican League, Fernando Valenzuela was picked by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 6th, 1979. It was the 1980 season when he made his debut on the mound and was initially used as a reliever.
It was the 1981 season when Valenzuela got his big break when the usual starter picked up an injury just before the season opener. He kept the Houston Astros at bay as the LA Dodgers won the game 2-0.
As his performances kept on improving, it seemed like the Hispanic community of LA had found their new poster boy and the 'Fernandomania' had well and truly begun. In the same year, he went on to win the NL Rookie of the Year and NL Cy Young award and the World Series too.
He was released from his duties by the Los Angeles Dodgers following the spring training of 1991. He then went on to have short stints with California Angles (now LA Angels), Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals before hanging up his boots.
He then went on to pursue a career in broadcasting and has been part of the Spanish broadcasting team since 2003.
