Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Mexican baseball player and Los Angeles Dodgers star, died on Tuesday at the age of 63 after a prolonged illness. His health was already raising concerns among fans when he was hospitalized on September 30, shortly before making a surprising announcement regarding his broadcasting career.
Days before his hospitalization, Valenzuela revealed he would not return to KTNQ-AM for the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season after 21 consecutive years of Spanish-language broadcasts. The decision came just as the postseason approached, leaving many in the baseball community puzzled as he offered little explanation for his departure.
Valenzuela, known for his quirky windup and signature screwball, first started captivating baseball fans during the 1981 season. His remarkable start included winning his first eight games, five of which were shutouts, with his earning run average an impressive 0.50.
This exceptional performance earned him both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, making him the only player to win both in the same year. His overall record for the 1981 season stood at 13-7, with a 2.48 ERA, despite being affected by a nearly two-month-long players' strike.
Valenzuela continued his success in the 1981 postseason, boasting a 3-1 record. He played a crucial role in Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, securing a complete-game victory that helped turn the series around after the Dodgers lost the first two games. Though he faced challenges during the game, allowing nine hits and seven walks, his determination contributed to the Dodgers winning the next three games and clinching the championship.
Born in Etchohuaquila, Navojoa, Mexico, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1978 and made his Major League debut at just 19 years old. His contributions to the team were recognized with his number 34 retired by the franchise, as well as his induction into the Dodgers' Ring of Honor, making him the fourteenth member of the exclusive group, which has since expanded to include 15 members.
Valenzuela's impact extended beyond the field, igniting the "Fernandomania" phenomenon that filled Dodger Stadium and captured the hearts of fans across the league. Merchandise sales surged, television ratings spiked, and media attention soared, with publications like Sports Illustrated declaring him "Unreal."
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