Remembering Fernando Valenzuela: A Tribute to the Legendary Dodgers Pitcher
Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher whose charisma and skill transcended borders, has passed away at the age of 63. The Dodgers organization announced his death on a Tuesday, leaving a profound sense of loss within the baseball community. Tributes have poured in as the baseball world reminisces about a player who reshaped Major League Baseball in the 1980s and became a cultural icon for millions, particularly within the Latino community.
As a nod to his everlasting impact, Valenzuela will be honored during the 2024 World Series, set to take place at Dodger Stadium. "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation... We will honor Fernando's memory during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium," stated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. His remarks echoed the sentiments of countless fans who were captivated by Valenzuela's talent and amiable personality throughout his career.
Valenzuela burst onto the Major League scene as a 19-year-old in 1980 with the Dodgers. It did not take long for him to make history; by 1981, he secured both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. During that remarkable season, Valenzuela posted a record of 13-7 with an impressive 2.48 ERA over 192 1/3 innings. His prowess on the mound continued through the postseason, culminating in the Dodgers' triumph over the New York Yankees in the World Series.
From 1981 to 1986, Valenzuela was a fixture in the MLB All-Star Games. His extraordinary run included leading the league in wins and complete games in 1986, a testament to his endurance and excellence on the field. With a career-defining performance on June 19, 1990, he pitched a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals—sharing that historic day with Dave Stewart, who also threw a no-hitter.
Born in the small town of Etchohuaquila, Valenzuela's journey to Major League stardom began when he was just a teenager playing for the Yucatán Leones of the Mexican League. The Dodgers signed him for $120,000, a move that would change the trajectory of his life and that of baseball history. He concluded his MLB career with a record of 173-153 and a 3.54 ERA, becoming the all-time leader in wins and innings pitched among Mexican-born players.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Valenzuela was renowned for his impact on the Latino fan base. "He meant so much to the Latino fan base. No other baseball player did what he did," reflected Jaime Jarrín, a celebrated broadcaster. Valenzuela's influence extended beyond the ballpark, fostering a new generation of baseball enthusiasts who had previously been indifferent to the sport.
Valenzuela's contributions to baseball transcended his retirement. He took on an ambassador role with the Dodgers and dedicated 22 seasons to sharing his insights in the Spanish language broadcast booth, providing a bridge to the game for many fans. He stepped away earlier in 2023 to focus on his health, yielding a space that few could fill with as much passion and authenticity.
In honor of his legacy, the Dodgers officially retired his No. 34 in 2023—a jersey number that had remained untouched since he left the team in 1990. It symbolized his lasting imprint on the franchise and the game as a whole, despite falling off the Hall of Fame ballot in 2004, just his second year of eligibility.
Valenzuela once shared his hopes for how he would be remembered. "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," he told MLB.com in 2021. Fans worldwide will undoubtedly carry forward this memory, celebrating the life of a player who combined talent, dedication, and heart in every game.
The baseball world mourns the loss of Fernando Valenzuela, a true pioneer and beloved figure in sports history. His legacy lives on, inspiring new generations to embrace the beauty and spirit of baseball, just as he did on every pitch.