The baseball world, particularly those who cherished the Los Angeles Dodgers and the larger Latino baseball community, is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished pitchers, Fernando Valenzuela. The legendary Dodgers star passed away at the age of 63, a loss that reverberates strongly through the sport. Valenzuela's passing was solemnly announced by the Dodgers organization on a recent Tuesday, marking the end of an era for one of the most impactful players not only for his club but for baseball globally.
Fernando Valenzuela's storied career began auspiciously when he debuted in Major League Baseball in 1980 at a mere 19 years of age. His rookie season was nothing short of spectacular. In 1981, he achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, setting a high benchmark with his performance. With a 13-7 record and a 2.48 ERA over 192 1/3 innings, Valenzuela was instrumental in driving the Dodgers to a postseason victory, culminating in their World Series triumph against the New York Yankees.
The 1980s proved to be a defining decade for Valenzuela and the Dodgers alike. From 1981 to 1986, he was a staple at the MLB All-Star Games, crafting a reputation for excellence and resilience on the mound. His prowess peaked in 1986 when he led the league in wins and complete games, a testament to his exceptional skill and stamina.
Among the numerous highlights of his career, the no-hitter he pitched against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 19, 1990, remains etched in the memories of baseball aficionados. Beyond these tangible achievements, Valenzuela held a special place in the hearts of fans, particularly the Latino community, a sentiment echoed in the words of Jaime Jarrín, a revered broadcaster, who said, "He meant so much to the Latino fan base. No other baseball player did what he did."
Fernando Valenzuela's journey into baseball greatness began long before he graced the fields of the Major Leagues. Born in the humble town of Etchohuaquila, he cut his teeth in the sport with the Yucatán Leones of the Mexican League as a teenager. His undeniable talent did not go unnoticed, leading to his signing with the Dodgers for $120,000, a decision that would ultimately shape the course of baseball history in Southern California and beyond.
Throughout his MLB career, Valenzuela accumulated a record of 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA, setting unprecedented benchmarks as the all-time leader in wins and innings pitched among Mexican-born players. Post-retirement, Valenzuela transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, serving in a Spanish-language booth with the Dodgers for an impressive 22 seasons. Earlier this year, he decided to step away from the role to prioritize his health, marking another poignant transition in his life and career.
In a fitting tribute to his contributions both on and off the field, the Dodgers retired his iconic No. 34 jersey in 2023, a number that, notably, had not been taken by any player since Valenzuela left the team in 1990. This honor reflects not just his statistical achievements but his cultural impact, which transcends generations.
Sadly, despite his accolades, Valenzuela fell off the Hall of Fame ballot in 2004, during his second year of eligibility, a decision that continues to baffle many who consider his contributions significant to both the sport and the community. Yet, his legacy remains potent. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred aptly captured this sentiment, 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." This commitment ensures that Valenzuela's memory and impact on baseball will be celebrated with the gravitas it deserves.
Throughout his life, Valenzuela expressed a deep connection to the game and gratitude for the opportunities it afforded him to engage fans. In a 2021 conversation with MLB.com, he remarked, "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." This humility and dedication resonate powerfully with his professional legacy — one marked not only by achievements and awards but by a deep, abiding love for the game and its community.
As baseball fans and players reflect on Fernando Valenzuela's indelible impact, there is a shared recognition of the void his passing creates. Yet, there is also immense gratitude for the contributions and memories he leaves behind, assuring that his legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with future generations of fans and players alike.