Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Mexican pitcher who sparked “Fernandomania” in the 1980s, has died at 63, just weeks after stepping back from his role as a broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His passing was confirmed by the MLB Network on October 22.
Valenzuela, who achieved fame in 1981 with both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, led the Dodgers to a World Series victory. Known for his unique pitching style, he became a cultural icon, uniting fans and revitalizing the community.
Fans gathered at Dodger Stadium to pay their respects, leaving flowers and jerseys in his honor. Valenzuela’s legacy is celebrated not only for his on-field success but also for his profound impact on the Latino community and future generations of players. His No. 34 jersey was retired by the Dodgers in August 2023, solidifying his status as a true baseball legend.
