Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has passed away at the age of 63. His impact on baseball and the Latino community in Los Angeles is immeasurable.
Valenzuela, who captivated fans with his dominant performances in the 1980s, is best known for igniting “Fernandomania” during his rookie season in 1981. Valenzuela’s legacy extends beyond the baseball diamond. He became a cultural hero, a symbol of hope, and a beloved figure within the Latino community.
Who was Fernando Valenzuela?
Valenzuela was born in Etchohuaquila, a small village in Mexico. He quickly rose to become one of the most influential figures in baseball. Valenzuela’s distinctive pitching style, featuring a memorable skyward glance before each pitch, captivated audiences. He was an enduring symbol of baseball in the 1980s.
As a left-handed pitcher with the Dodgers, Valenzuela achieved feats many players only dream of. In his first full season in 1981, he became the first player in MLB history to win both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in the same season. This legendary year also saw the Dodgers clinch the World Series, with Valenzuela playing a crucial role.
Dodgers and Valenzuela’s legacy in Los Angeles
For the Dodgers, Valenzuela was more than just a player. He was a symbol of unity for the city’s Latino population. His rise coincided with a moment when many Mexican Americans were looking for representation and success in American sports. Fernando Valenzuela in the Dodgers became that beacon, attracting thousands of new fans to Dodger Stadium.
Even after retiring in 1997, Valenzuela remained a central figure for the Dodgers, working as a Spanish-language broadcaster and helping introduce the game to a new generation of fans. His contributions to baseball were honored by the team when they retired his No. 34 jersey in 2023, despite not being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Are the Dodgers going to honor Fernando Valenzuela?
The passing of Fernando Valenzuela came just days before the Dodgers’ debut in the 2024 World Series, and since then, the team has announced they will honor “El Toro.”
Los Angeles Dodgers will wear a patch with Valenzuela’s retired number 34 on their sleeve for the upcoming Fall Classic games against the Yankees. They will also wear the patch on their jerseys for the entire 2025 season.
Valenzuela’s legacy in baseball
Valenzuela’s success extended beyond his playing days, becoming an ambassador for baseball in Mexico and Latin America. He was inducted into the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame and served as a mentor for many young players.
Valenzuela’s no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1990 remains one of the most iconic moments in Dodgers history. His influence on the game continues, as he remains an inspiration to millions of fans who saw in him a reflection of their own dreams.