The 'Fernandomania' reached Los Angeles with Mexican pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, an iconic Dodgers player and Major League Baseball figure, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63, as reported by Efe. "The Dodgers mourn the loss of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. Fernandomania forever," the Los Angeles team posted on social media X with an image of the left-handed pitcher.
MLB also acknowledged the irreplaceable loss of the Latin American baseball symbol, who, with the number 34 and nicknamed 'el Toro', became an idol in Los Angeles. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Dodgers great player, Fernando Valenzuela," MLB stated in a release.
Born on November 1 in Navojoa, Valenzuela passed away on Tuesday due to suspected liver complications that led to multiple organ failure.
Valenzuela's death comes just three days before the start of the World Series, where his beloved Dodgers will face the Yankees from New York.
Beyond his 11 seasons showcasing his talent on the field for the Dodgers, after retiring, Valenzuela took the microphone and spent the last 22 years as the Spanish-language broadcaster for the Los Angeles team, which last year retired the number 34 worn by the stellar Mexican pitcher during his playing days.
Few players could make an impact like Valenzuela did upon his arrival in the Major Leagues in 1981, with 'Fernandomania', when at 20 years old, he began his first full season with a record of 8-0 and an ERA of 0.50, finishing with a record of 13-7, while leading the National League in starts (25), complete games (11), shutouts (8), innings pitched (192.1), and strikeouts.
This performance led him to win the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award, also playing a crucial role in leading Los Angeles to the 1981 World Series title, with a postseason record of 3-1 and a 2.21 ERA in five games.
Throughout his 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, Valenzuela amassed a record of 173-153, with a 3.54 ERA in 453 games, starting 424 of them, pitching 2,930 innings, striking out 2,074 batters while playing for the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles.
Valenzuela led the National League with 21 wins in 1986, the same year he pitched 20 complete games.
The historic Mexican pitcher was part of the All-Star team in all six editions held from 1981 to 1986.