Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher/broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela has passed away at the age of 63.
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RIP Fernando Valenzuela 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/bmfMl6BGIG
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 23, 2024
Valenzuela was one of the most popular and beloved players to ever put on the Dodgers uniform. Notably, his career got off to one of the greatest starts in MLB history, as he is still the only pitcher to win both Rookie of the Year and a CY Young award in the same season. That's not all, as Valenzuela also helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title over the New York Yankees in 1981, as a rookie.
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
"Fernandomania" took the league by storm ever since his debut on September 15, 1980. To point out, as a 19-year-old he pitched 17.2 scoreless innings to end the 1980 season as a reliever. Then on Opening Day 1981, he found himself playing as the emergency starting pitcher, and went on to pitch a complete-game 2-0 shutout vs. the Houston Astros.
Last year Valenzuela recalled the time he was asked to pitch the first game of his rookie season.
"Tommy Lasorda came up to me and said, 'Are you ready to pitch tomorrow?' I said, 'I'm ready'... That's what I was looking for, the opportunity to show what I can do."
Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
During his first eight starts of the season, Valenzuela certainly showed what he could do, as he had an 8-0 record (eight complete games) that included five shutouts (0.50 ERA).
His fifth shutout came in a 1-0 victory over the Mets, that included 11 strikeouts.
The left-hander from Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico captivated Los Angeles with his charm on the mound, as his unique pitching motion and signature pitch, being the screwball, made him a fan favorite.
Just as good as the season started, it ended with the Dodgers winning the 1981 World Series (4-2), as Valenzuela pitched nine innings to give the Dodgers a victory in Game 3.
His rookie season included a 13-7 record, 2.48 ERA, 11 complete games and eight shutouts. Not to mention, Valenzuela led the National League with 192.1 innings pitched and had the most strikeouts (180) in the majors that year.
Jaime Jarrin, who was the Dodgers Hall of Fame Spanish announcer/Valenzuela's interpreter, spoke on the impact Fernando had on an entire city.
"His charisma was unbelievable. The fact that he came here to the major leagues [in September 1980] after spending just a few weeks in San Antonio at Double-A — and from the beginning, he was just amazing. And the people fell in love with him... He was only 19 years old. Little bit chubby, long hair, Yaqui Indian features. Those things really cultivated the people, and they fell in love with Fernando in a matter of a few weeks."
Fernando Valenzuela captivated the baseball world in 1981. His unforgettable year included winning the NL Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award & a World Series title.
We honor the memory of the Dodgers icon, who passed away Tuesday at age 63, with a look back at “Fernandomania.” pic.twitter.com/oAGgmddlFB
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 23, 2024
Stan Kasten, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers, released a tribute statement honoring Valenzuela.
"On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando. He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family."
Valenzuela played from 1980-1997 and was a 6x All-Star, with 173 career wins and 2074 career strikeouts.
One of his most memorable performances came when he threw a no-hitter vs. the St. Louis Cardinals (June 29, 1990).
Fernando Valenzuela's no-hitter in 1990 with Vin Scully on the call 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/fkLICe0JN0
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 23, 2024
To mention, Valenzuela could also swing the bat, as he was a 2x Silver Slugger award winner, and had 10 career home runs; he posted a .304 batting average during the 1990 season.
In view of his legendary career as a Dodger, Valenzuela had his No. 34 jersey retired. To this day, he is among the franchise leaders in almost ever statistical pitching category: wins (141), strikeouts (1,759), innings pitched (2,348.2), starts (320), complete games (107), and shutouts (29).
Upon the tragic news of Valenzuela's passing Tuesday night, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement.
"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."
Ultimately, the kid from a town called Etchohuaquila, Mexico will forever go down as one of the most impactful players in Dodgers history. Certainly, any baseball fan in the 80's will always remember "Fernandomania."
There will never be another like Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/i7EGPOhSyD
— MLB Metrics (@MLBMetrics) October 23, 2024
