Baseball is mourning: Fernando Valenzuela died this Tuesday, October 22, at 63.
The Dodgers announced in their official accounts that the legendary Mexican pitcher, a hero of an entire generation beyond baseball, died in Los Angeles.
“The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the death of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela,” published the team, which on Friday, October 25, will open the World Series against the Yankees, a legendary battle that, in 1981, saw Valenzuela, then a rookie, shine. He was barely twenty-something.
“Fernandomania” swept baseball in 1981 when the Mexican sensation began the season.
The left-hander finished his incredible year by winning the National League Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award while helping lead Los Angeles to a World Series title.
Fernando Valenzuela captivated the baseball world in 1981. His unforgettable year included winning the NL Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award & a World Series title.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 23, 2024
We honor the memory of the Dodgers icon, who passed away Tuesday at age 63, with a look back at “Fernandomania.” pic.twitter.com/oAGgmddlFB
Valenzuela pitched 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, 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 announcer for the Dodgers, who retired his number 34 in 2023.
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