Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela Passes Away – Boston 25 News

The Legacy of Fernando Valenzuela: Remembering a Baseball Icon

The baseball world mourns the loss of legend Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away at the age of 63 in a Los Angeles hospital, as announced by the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, the ripple effects of his influence on the game resonate deeply among fans and players alike.

A Humble Beginning

Born in 1960 in Etchohuaquila, a small farming village in Mexico with a population of just 140, Valenzuela was the youngest of twelve siblings. From a young age, he showcased his passion for the sport, nurturing his talent while playing baseball with his brothers. In 1977, his journey toward professional baseball began when he was signed by the local team, the Navojoa Mayos. This pivotal moment marked the turning point from playing baseball for fun to considering it a viable career.

“I told myself, ‘Now it’s a career, it’s not for fun,’” Valenzuela reflected in a 2021 interview, highlighting the moment when baseball became more than just a pastime.

The Rising Star

Valenzuela’s career took a significant leap when he was signed by the Yucatan Leones in the Mexican League in 1979. His impressive skill set didn’t go unnoticed, as a major league scout named Mike Brito spotted his potential. Under Brito’s guidance, Valenzuela learned crucial pitching techniques, including the split-fingered fastball and screwball, which would prove pivotal in his rise to the majors.

After a season in the Class High-A Lodi Dodgers, Valenzuela made his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 15, 1980, showcasing his talent with a strikeout in just two innings against the Atlanta Braves.

Fernandomania Takes Over

The turning point of Valenzuela’s career came in 1981, where he not only stood out in spring training but also became the opening day starter. His exceptional performance led him to become the first— and so far only— player to win both the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. During his debut, Valenzuela won his first eight games, five of which were shutouts, thrilling fans and establishing what became known as "Fernandomania."

As the legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully famously commented, “It is the most puzzling, wonderful, rewarding thing I think we’ve seen in baseball in many, many years.”

A Champion’s Spirit

Valenzuela’s artistry on the mound contributed significantly to the Dodgers’ success in the 1981 World Series against the New York Yankees, where he played a crucial role in helping the team clinch the championship. Valenzuela’s complete game victory in Game 3 was monumental, marking the beginning of four consecutive wins that secured the Dodgers’ fifth championship title in franchise history.

In the years following, Valenzuela continued to shine, earning All-Star status every year from 1981 to 1986, along with accolades such as the Silver Slugger Award and the Gold Glove award.

A Flourishing Career Beyond the Dodgers

Throughout his illustrious playing career, Valenzuela showcased his pitch-perfect abilities not only with the Dodgers but also with teams like the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals before making his return to Los Angeles in 1997. His impact on the game didn’t end with his retirement; Valenzuela transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, offering Spanish-language commentary for the Dodgers.

Honoring a Legend

In recognition of his monumental contributions to baseball and the Dodgers, Valenzuela’s number 34 was retired in 2023, an honor usually reserved for Hall of Fame inductees. Artifacts commemorating his career, including a ball from his no-hitter, are housed in the Baseball Hall of Fame, and in 2014, he was inducted into the Mexican Professional Hall of Fame.

Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond the diamond; he served on the coaching staff for the Mexican national team during several World Baseball Classics and held partial ownership of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo.

A Lasting Impact

As the news of his passing spread, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressed what many felt: "Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball." His impact, particularly on Latino fans, remains unparalleled. He continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, as the millions of fans who watched him play remember a figure who transcended the sport.

With his wife, four children, and seven grandchildren, Valenzuela’s legacy is framed not just in records and accolades, but in the hearts of those he inspired.

As the Dodgers prepare to face the New York Yankees in the World Series, a ceremony will be held in Valenzuela’s honor, a fitting tribute to a player whose contributions to baseball and culture will forever be cherished.