UPDATE (Oct. 2, 9:15 a.m. PT): The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Fernando Valenzuela will not return to the broadcast booth this season as he focuses on his health and a return in 2025.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have talented broadcast teams for both television and radio, including a Spanish-language crew that features legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.
Valenzuela is in his 21st season calling games for the Dodgers alongside Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota.
He transitioned to broadcasting after a playing career that saw him earn six All-Star Game appearances, 1981 National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award honors, and two World Series championships.
Valenzuela has been a staple of Dodgers broadcasts for many years but recently left the team and likely won’t return for the postseason, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
Fernando Valenzuela has left the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast team indefinitely. The Dodgers declined to give a reason for Valenzuela’s absence. Valenzuela is not likely to return for the playoff broadcasts.
A reason wasn’t given for Valenzuela’s abrupt departure, but his impact on the organization cannot be overstated.
The left-hander’s No. 34 was retired by the team last year, which kicked off a special three-day celebration at Dodger Stadium dubbed “Fernandomania” weekend.
“It means a lot,” Valenzuela said last year of the Dodgers’ decision to retire his number.
“That number was open, but nobody used it. I don’t know if that was a decision from the clubhouse manager, but it surprised me because it’s not a high number, it’s not 76, 77, 78, and nobody used it.”
Valenzuela was also inducted into the Dodger Stadium Ring of Honor, becoming the 14th person to join the exclusive club. The group now sits at 15 with Walter O’Malley’s inclusion.
Dodgers honored Fernando Valenzuela & more employees
Earlier this month, the Dodgers paid tribute to Valenzuela and nearly 80 employees with 25 or more years of service. Valenzuela is in his 33rd year with the organization.
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