by the El Reportero‘s staff
Fernando Valenzuela, Mexican baseball icon and unforgettable figure of the Major Leagues, passed away at the age of 63. The news of his death has shocked the sports world, especially the fans who followed him since his historic arrival to the Major Leagues in the 1980s.
Valenzuela passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 22 after being hospitalized in Los Angeles, California, after facing complications from a liver problem, leaving an indelible legacy in the sport.
Throughout his life, Valenzuela inspired generations of players and fans, and his impact transcends the borders of baseball.
Born on Nov. 1, 1960 in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Valenzuela grew up in a rural environment, where baseball was a popular pastime. His talent was evident from an early age, and by the age of 17 he was playing professionally in the Mexican League. His left-handed throwing ability and signature screwball pitch caught the attention of scouts, and in 1979, he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Valenzuela made his major league debut in 1980, but it was the 1981 season that established him as a star.
Known for his composure on the mound and his ability to dominate opposing hitters, his rookie season was nothing short of historic. In 1981, he led the Dodgers to a World Series win, earning both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year, an unprecedented feat. He became an international sensation that year, and the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania” took hold among baseball fans, especially in Los Angeles, where his success resonated deeply in the Latino community.
During the 1980s, Valenzuela remained one of the most dominant pitchers in the Major Leagues. He was selected for six consecutive All-Star Games (1981-1986) and won two Silver Slugger Awards. His pitching style and the intensity with which he played made him a fan favorite. Throughout his career with the Dodgers, he posted impressive numbers: 173 wins, a 3.54 earned run average, and more than 2,000 strikeouts.
However, injuries began to affect his performance in the second half of his career. Despite these challenges, Valenzuela continued to pitch for several Major League teams, including the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. He eventually retired in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and perseverance.
After his retirement, Valenzuela remained close to baseball. He worked as a Spanish-language commentator for the Dodgers and was an ambassador for the sport, promoting baseball among younger generations, especially in Mexico and the Latino community in the United States. In 2015, the Dodgers honored his career by retiring his number 34, a tribute to his influence and contributions to the team and the sport.
Valenzuela is remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field, but also for the way he transcended the sport. For many, he represented a source of cultural pride and a symbol of what is possible with dedication and effort. His humility off the field, combined with his ferocity on the mound, made him a beloved figure in both the United States and Mexico.
Fernando Valenzuela passed away surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Linda Burgos, and his four children, Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda Fernanda, and Maria del Carmen. His legacy will not only live on in the statistics, but in the hearts of the millions of fans who saw him play and were touched by his career. His passing leaves a void in the world of sport, but his influence will continue to be celebrated by future generations.
Baseball has lost one of its greatest legends, but his legacy will be immortal. With his passing, Valenzuela joins the stars who left an indelible mark on baseball history, reminding us of the power of sport to inspire, unite and transcend borders.
