MLB Legend Fernando Valenzuela Passes Away: Dodgers Share Heartfelt Tribute
MLB & LA Dodgers Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela Passes Away — Team Speaks Out
Only a few weeks after leaving his position as an announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Mexican pitching legend who sparked “Fernandomania” in the 1980s passed dead.
One of the most recognizable personalities in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, Fernando Valenzuela, passed away at the age of sixty-three.
As the Los Angeles Dodgers lamented the loss of their old teammate, the MLB Network announced Valenzuela’s death on Tuesday, October 22, on X, formerly Twitter. Only a few weeks after taking a vacation from his position in the Dodgers’ broadcast booth, he passed away.
The LA Dodgers said in a statement posted on X on October 3 that Valenzuela took a leave of absence from his broadcasting responsibilities to concentrate on his health and that his family had asked for privacy. He intended to return for the 2025 season, they added.
There were rumors that Valenzuela was hospitalized before he left his broadcasting position. Mexican reporter David Faitelson announced Valenzuela’s hospital admission on X on October 1.
He pointed out that because the family decided to keep the specifics confidential, not much was known about Valenzuela’s condition.
Fans started congregating at Dodger Stadium to commemorate Valenzuela’s career and pay tribute to him when word of his passing circulated online. Many people put Mexican flags, jerseys, candles, and flowers at the stadium’s Vin Scully Avenue entrance.
One of the admirers who honored Valenzuela, Rey Casillas, 58, talked about the influence of the late legend. According to him, Valenzuela was more than just a baseball player; in 1981, he united people and brought culture back to the neighborhood, particularly around Dodger Stadium and Chavez Ravine.
Comparing Valenzuela to Shohei Ohtani in terms of his capacity to draw a sizable fan base, Casillas referred to him as a “once in a lifetime” character. He added that Valenzuela’s impact on baseball and his representation of the Dodgers should make Los Angeles proud.
In addition to the fans, well-known Dodgers fan and Mexican-American actor Mario Lopez shared his sorrow on social media, writing, “63 is way too young….”
Lopez revealed that he became a Dodgers fan because of Valenzuela, praising his significant achievements at the age of 18. He characterized the deceased legend as a community leader in addition to being a fantastic player.
After being found by scout Mike Brito in his hometown of Navajoa, Mexico, Valenzuela was signed by the Dodgers in 1979, which marked the beginning of his ascent to prominence.
He became well-known in 1981 after winning the Cy Young and NL Rookie of the Year awards. In addition, he guided the Dodgers to a World Series triumph.
Because of his distinctive pitching style, Valenzuela won over fans’ hearts both in Los Angeles and abroad, sparking the “Fernandomania” fad.
Over time, Valenzuela’s presence grew outside of the field as he proceeded to have a significant impact in the United States. He kept the fact that he became a citizen of the United States a secret in 2015.
“He likes his privacy very much,” said Jaime Jarrín, the Dodgers’ longtime Spanish-language commentator who has been with Valenzuela for more than ten years. He does a great job protecting that privacy.
Peter O’Malley, the former owner of the Dodgers, highlighted Valenzuela’s close ties to Mexico and expressed delight in his connection to the nation.
“He has enjoyed living here and has grown his family here. “I commend him for his pride,” O’Malley stated.
The Dodgers formally retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey in August 2023, solidifying his status as a cultural legend. He was grateful during the event, saying, “It never crossed my mind that this would ever happen.”
He went on, “I never imagined that I would be in the World Series my rookie year. Since you must first be in Cooperstown, I didn’t think this would occur. It took me completely by surprise. It’s difficult to describe what this means.
Valenzuela’s lasting influence was also acknowledged by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who said, “Fernando’s legacy, his impact, is going to last forever.”
Noting that “Fernandomania” might never be repeated, he highlighted how the Mexican athlete’s ascent was a “perfect storm” for the city of Los Angeles and its Latino culture.
Numerous Latino athletes and supporters were inspired by Valenzuela, whose impact went beyond the field. In the sport, he will go down as a real legend.
