The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the passing of their legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela at the age of 63, just four days before the team’s World Series matchup against the New York Yankees. No cause of death has been disclosed yet. Valenzuela, who hailed from Navojoa, Mexico, was more than just a player; he was a beacon for the Mexican American community in Los Angeles. His remarkable 1981 season made him a household name, as he became the first player in Major League Baseball history to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in the same year.
Valenzuela's career
Known for his unique skyward delivery and his signature screwball, Valenzuela bewildered hitters throughout his rookie season. He recorded complete games in each of his first eight starts, five of which were shutouts. His season ended with a record of 13-7 and a league-leading 180 strikeouts, earning him a special place in baseball history—memorialized by a mural at Dodger Stadium. After 11 thrilling years with the Dodgers (1980-1990), he pitched for several teams, including the California Angels and the Baltimore Orioles, before returning to Mexico to play professionally for nearly another decade.
In his 17-season MLB career, Valenzuela posted a record of 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA. Although he never reached the heights of his rookie season again, he was selected to six All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger Awards.
In August 2023, the Dodgers made a significant move by retiring Valenzuela’s number 34, breaking a long-standing policy that only allowed numbers of Hall of Famers to be retired. This gesture underscored his immense impact on the franchise.
Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his condolences and noted that Valenzuela’s legacy would be honored during the World Series. He stated, "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation. With his distinctive pitching style, the Dodger left-hander's rookie season generated so much excitement in the U.S. and his native Mexico that it became commonly referred to as 'Fernandomania.' His 1981 season ranks among the most decorated pitching years of all-time as Fernando was the National League Rookie of the Year, the NL Cy Young Award winner, a Silver Slugger, and a World Series Champion."
Manfred continued, "Following his memorable career, Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball. He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country. As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired."
