Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passes away at age 63

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Wednesday, October 23 2024

Fernando Mania Forever.

Major League Baseball announced that Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passed away at 63.

MLB released the following statement.

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela.

“Fernandomania” swept through baseball in 1981 when the 20-year old rookie sensation began the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA. The lefthander capped off his incredible year by winning both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards while helping lead Los Angeles to a World Series title.

Valenzuela pitched 17 Major League seasons, was a 6-time All-Star, and has the most wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) of any Mexican-born pitcher.

He spent the last 22 years as a Spanish language broadcaster for the Dodgers, who retired his No. 34 in 2023.

The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024