Los Angeles Remembers Legendary Dodger Fernando Valenzuela
In a solemn announcement that reverberated through the world of baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed the passing of their legendary pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela, at the age of 63. His death, announced by the Dodgers organization on a Tuesday, marks the end of an era that left an indelible impact on both the sport and its fan base.
Born in the town of Etchohuaquila, Mexico, Valenzuela's baseball journey began as a teenager with the Yucatán Leones of the Mexican League. His talent quickly drew attention, and in a life-altering moment, the Dodgers signed him for $120,000. Valenzuela debuted in Major League Baseball as a 19-year-old in 1980 with the Dodgers, a team with which he would forge an iconic legacy.
One of the most standout moments of his career came swiftly. In 1981, Valenzuela astounded the baseball world by clinching both the National League Rookie of the Year and the prestigious Cy Young awards. With a record of 13-7 and a stellar 2.48 ERA over 192 1/3 innings, his performance was pivotal in the Dodgers' journey to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees that same year.
Throughout the peak of his career, from 1981 to 1986, Valenzuela consistently showcased his prowess, earning selections for the MLB All-Star Games each year. His dominance was particularly evident in 1986 when he led the league in wins and complete games. Another notable highlight came on June 19, 1990, when Valenzuela pitched a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals, etching his name in the annals of baseball history.
As a testament to his extraordinary career, the Dodgers officially retired Valenzuela's No. 34 in 2023. His jersey was not worn by any player since he left the team in 1990, underscoring the profound respect and admiration the organization and its fans held for him.
Despite falling off the Hall of Fame ballot in 2004, Valenzuela’s impact on baseball and its cultural dimensions, especially among the Latino community, remains unparalleled. "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation," stated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. "We will honor Fernando's memory during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium."
Behind the microphone, Valenzuela continued to champion the sport. For 22 seasons, he brought the game to life for Spanish-speaking audiences from the broadcast booth, further cementing his legacy as a bridge between the Dodgers and their diverse fan base. Earlier in 2023, he chose to step away from his broadcasting role to prioritize his health.
"He meant so much to the Latino fan base. No other baseball player did what he did," reflected Jaime Jarrín, a celebrated broadcaster who worked alongside Valenzuela. This sentiment reverberates throughout baseball, illustrating the forward-thinking and barrier-breaking impact Valenzuela had on and off the field.
Beyond the accolades, Valenzuela cherished his relationship with the fans. In a 2021 interview with MLB.com, he humbly expressed, "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."
Indeed, Valenzuela's legacy is not just about numbers and achievements; it’s about the way he played the game with passion, heart, and a connection to the fans. His career concluded with a record of 173-153 and a 3.54 ERA, positioning him as the all-time leader in wins and innings pitched among Mexican-born players.
As the baseball community prepares to honor him during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium, Fernando Valenzuela will be remembered not only as a phenomenal athlete but as a pioneer who enriched the cultural tapestry of American baseball. His contributions continue to inspire future generations, ensuring that his legacy will endure long after the game’s final out.