Remembering Fernando Valenzuela, Dodgers Legend
Fernando Valenzuela, a towering figure in the world of baseball and an icon of cultural impact, has passed away at the age of 63. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced his death on a Tuesday, marking the end of an era for fans who cherished the "Fernandomania" phenomenon that defined the early 1980s.
Valenzuela's journey to baseball stardom began in the small town of Etchohuaquila, Mexico. As a teenager, he showed promise with the Yucatán Leones of the Mexican League before the Dodgers recognized his potential and signed him for $120,000. The investment proved to be momentous as Valenzuela quickly rose to fame, debuting in Major League Baseball at just 19 years old in 1980.
The following year, Valenzuela's exceptional talent shone brightly. In 1981, he captured both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, boasting a record of 13-7 with a formidable 2.48 ERA over 192 1/3 innings. His postseason performance was integral to the Dodgers clinching victory over the New York Yankees in the World Series. The sensation that Valenzuela generated among fans, especially the Latino community, was unprecedented. Jaime Jarrín, a celebrated broadcaster, noted, "He meant so much to the Latino fan base. No other baseball player did what he did."
Valenzuela was a fixture in the MLB All-Star Games from 1981 to 1986, a testament to his consistent excellence on the mound. His dominance peaked when he led the league in wins and complete games in 1986. A career highlight came on June 19, 1990, when he pitched a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals, further cementing his legacy.
Over the course of his MLB career, Valenzuela amassed a record of 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA, making him the all-time leader in wins and innings pitched by a Mexican-born player. Despite his retirement from playing, his influence continued as he remained a fixture in the Dodgers' Spanish language broadcast booth for 22 seasons. He stepped away from broadcasting earlier in 2023 to focus on his health, yet his voice remained a beloved presence among fans.
In a fitting tribute to his indelible impact, the Dodgers retired Valenzuela's jersey number, No. 34, in 2023. The number had not been worn since he left the team in 1990, underscoring the reverence the organization and fans held for him. Despite his accolades, Valenzuela fell off the Hall of Fame ballot in 2004, during his second year of eligibility. Yet, his legacy transcends traditional measures of baseball greatness.
Valenzuela himself, in a 2021 interview with MLB.com, expressed his simple wish for how he would like to be remembered, saying, "It would be really great if they remembered me as someone who always tried his best to always give them a good show, so that they could have fun with this beautiful game."
The Dodgers organization, in recognition of his lasting impact on both the team and the broader community, has announced plans to honor Valenzuela during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reflected on Valenzuela’s legacy, stating, "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation... We will honor Fernando's memory during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium."
As the baseball world reflects on Fernando Valenzuela’s contributions, both on and off the field, his story remains a testament to talent, perseverance, and the ability of sports to unite people across cultures. His passing leaves a void, yet his legacy of excellence and grace endures, inspiring future generations to follow in his illustrious footsteps.