The Mexican pitching legend who ignited “Fernandomania” in the 1980s died just weeks after stepping away from his role as a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary pitcher and one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, has died at 63.
Fernando Valenzuela attends the Opening Day ceremonies before a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on March 30, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The MLB Network confirmed Valenzuela’s passing on Tuesday, October 22, on X, formerly Twitter while the Los Angeles Dodgers mourned the loss of their former teammate. His death comes just weeks after he took a break from his role in the Dodgers’ broadcast booth.
In a statement shared on X on October 3, the LA Dodgers explained that Valenzuela stepped away from his broadcasting duties to focus on his health and that his family had requested privacy. They also said he planned to return for the 2025 season.
Before Valenzuela stepped away from his broadcasting duties, reports surfaced about his hospitalization. On October 1, Mexican reporter David Faitelson shared on X that Valenzuela had been admitted to a hospital. He noted that little was known about Valenzuela’s condition, as the family chose to keep the details private.
When news of Valenzuela’s death spread online, fans began gathering at Dodger Stadium to honor his memory and celebrate his legacy. Many left flowers, jerseys, candles, and Mexican flags at the stadium’s entrance on Vin Scully Avenue.
Rey Casillas, 58, one of the fans who paid respects to Valenzuela, spoke about the late icon’s impact. He said Valenzuela wasn’t just a baseball player; he brought people together and revitalized the culture in 1981, especially in the Dodger Stadium and Chavez Ravine area.
Fernando Valenzuela signs autographs for fans at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on April 24, 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Casillas called Valenzuela a “once in a lifetime” figure, comparing him to Shohei Ohtani for his ability to attract a huge fan base. He also said Los Angeles should feel proud of Valenzuela’s influence on baseball and how he represented the Dodgers.
Fernando Valenzuela warms up before a Major League Baseball game in 1981 | Source: Getty Images
Besides the fans, Mexican-American actor Mario Lopez, a well-known Dodgers supporter, expressed his grief on social media, “63 is way too young….”
Lopez shared that Valenzuela was the reason he became a Dodgers fan, admiring his major accomplishments at just 18. He described the late icon as both a great player and a community leader.
Valenzuela’s rise to fame began when he was signed by the Dodgers in 1979, after being discovered by scout Mike Brito in his hometown of Navajoa, Mexico.
He shot to fame in 1981, earning both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards. He also led the Dodgers to a World Series victory.
Fernando Valenzuela pitches for the Los Angeles Dodgers during an MLB game at Dodger Stadium in the 1988 season | Source: Getty Images
Known for his unique pitching style, Valenzuela captured the hearts of fans in Los Angeles and around the world, giving rise to the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”
Over the years, Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond the field, as he continued to make a lasting impact in the U.S. In 2015, he became a U.S. citizen, a milestone he kept private.
Jaime Jarrín, the Dodgers’ longtime Spanish-language broadcaster who worked alongside Valenzuela for over a decade, noted, “He likes his privacy very much. He takes care of that privacy very well.”
Fernando Valenzuela receives the USCIS Outstanding Americans by Choice award in front of over 2,100 new U.S. citizens at Dodger Stadium on August 29, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Former Dodgers owner Peter O’Malley expressed pride in Valenzuela’s connection to the country while highlighting his strong ties to Mexico. “He’s lived here and raised his family here and enjoyed living here. He’s proud, and I salute him for it,” said O’Malley.
Fernando Valenzuela speaks to the crowd during a Legends of Dodger Baseball pre-game ceremony at Dodger Stadium on July 20, 2019 | Source: Getty Images.
In August 2023, the Dodgers officially retired Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey, cementing his legacy as a cultural icon. At the ceremony, he expressed his gratitude, “It never crossed my mind that this would ever happen.”
He continued, “Like being in the World Series my rookie year, I never thought that would happen. I didn’t think this would happen, because first of all you have to be in Cooperstown. It really caught me by surprise. It’s hard to put into words what this means.”
Fernando Valenzuela waves to fans as the Dodgers retired his jersey number on Friday, August 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also paid tribute to Valenzuela’s enduring influence, “Fernando’s legacy, his impact, is going to last forever.” He emphasized how the Mexican athlete’s rise was a “perfect storm” for the city of Los Angeles and its Latino community, noting that “Fernandomania” might never be replicated.
Fernando Valenzuela throws the ceremonial first pitch before a Dodgers vs. Rockies game at Dodger Stadium on September 19, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Valenzuela’s influence extended beyond the field, inspiring countless Latino players and fans. He will be remembered as a true legend in the sport.