Fernando Valenzuela Dies

Fernando Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, in the small village of Etchohuaquila, in Sonora, Mexico. The youngest of twelve children, Valenzuela grew up in a rural farming family. His passion for baseball emerged early, playing in the streets of his village before eventually joining local teams. As a left-handed pitcher, he quickly gained attention for his talent, particularly his screwball,

a rare and challenging pitch that would later become his signature in Major League Baseball (MLB). Valenzuela began his professional career in the Mexican League, signing with the Mayos de Navojoa at the age of 17.

His powerful left arm and an almost unhittable screwball caught the attention of MLB scouts. After impressing with several Mexican teams, he was sold to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979. Initially, Valenzuela played in the Dodgers’ minor league system, further developing his skills and adjusting to the competition in the United States. Fernando Valenzuela debuted with the Dodgers in September 1980, and his first full season in 1981 is one of the most remarkable in baseball history. Starting the season as a 20-year-old rookie, he won his first eight starts, all of which were complete games, and posted five shutouts.

He finished the season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and led the National League in strikeouts. Valenzuela became the first player ever to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season. Valenzuela’s early success sparked “Fernandomania” in 1981, a phenomenon that captivated fans across the U.S., particularly in Los Angeles and within the Latino community. Fans packed stadiums to watch the young Mexican sensation pitch, and he became an icon for both his performance and cultural significance.

His impact went beyond baseball, as Valenzuela helped broaden MLB’s Latino fan base and influenced the recruitment of Latin American players in the league. Valenzuela’s nickname, “El Toro” (The Bull), reflected his strong, stocky build and competitive spirit on the mound. His unflinching presence and ability to pitch deep into games made him one of the most reliable and admired pitchers of the 1980s. Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star (1981-1986) and led the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1981.

His screwball, a devastating pitch that baffled hitters, became legendary. After an illustrious stint with the Dodgers, Valenzuela’s career began to decline in the late 1980s, primarily due to injuries and overuse. He was released by the Dodgers in 1990 but continued playing in MLB with several teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Though his peak performance was behind him, Valenzuela remained a solid pitcher, even throwing a no-hitter for the Padres in 1990. Valenzuela was also known for his hitting prowess, a rarity for pitchers. Over his career, he amassed 10 home runs and maintained a respectable batting average for a pitcher. His ability to contribute offensively further enhanced his value to the teams he played for and made him a fan favorite.

Fernando Valenzuela retired from MLB in 1997, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved and influential players in baseball history. His unique combination of talent, personality, and cultural impact cemented his place in the hearts of Dodgers fans and beyond. Although his number 34 had not been officially retired by the Dodgers,

no player had worn it since Valenzuela’s departure from the team, a testament to his lasting influence. In August 2023, the Los Angeles Dodgers officially retired Fernando Valenzuela’s iconic number 34 jersey during a special ceremony at Dodger Stadium. This long-awaited honor celebrated Valenzuela’s legendary contributions to the team and his cultural impact.

Valenzuela’s impact extends beyond his playing career. In 2003, he was inducted into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame, and his role as a pioneer for Latin American players in MLB is widely recognized. In 2023, the Dodgers officially retired his number, commemorating his contribution to the team’s history and cultural significance. Following his retirement, Valenzuela transitioned to a successful career as a broadcaster for the Dodgers’ Spanish-language radio broadcasts. His insightful commentary and iconic voice have kept him close to the game and fans.

He has remained an ambassador for baseball and the Dodgers, continuing to inspire new generations of fans. Valenzuela is a family man, married to his wife, Linda, since 1981. The couple has four children. Despite his fame, Valenzuela has remained humble, often returning to Mexico and being actively involved in charity work within both the U.S. and Mexico.