The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Fernando Valenzuela passed away Tuesday. He was poised to turn 64 years old on Nov. 1.
“On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.”
The beloved former pitcher who captivated the Mexican community during his Dodgers career stepped away from their Spanish-language broadcast booth in late September. That was followed by an unconfirmed report Valenzuela had been hospitalized.
As the Dodgers were entering the final days of the regular season, the team announced Valenzuela would not return to calling games in 2024 and instead planned to get healthy for next year.
“Fernando Valenzuela has stepped away from the Dodger broadcast booth for the remainder of this year to focus on his health,” the Dodgers said in a statement.
“He and his family truly appreciate the love and support of fans as he aims to return for the 2025 season, and they have asked for privacy during this time.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts twice was asked about Valenzuela during the postseason.
“I don’t know exactly what Fernando’s going through health-wise. I know there’s some things going on. All I know is that I consider him a friend, and I pray for his health,” Roberts said on Oct. 8.
“So I pray that his family is doing well through this time, but I don’t know enough to really comment. I just pray that the whole Valenzuela family is doing well.”
Five days later Roberts reiterated he did not have an update to publicly share but was aware Valenzuela had fallen ill.
“He’s in all of our thoughts and prayers. He’s a friend of mine. I’ve kind of stood down, letting the family handle this situation. But I just pray that we get him back healthy and back in the booth,” Roberts said.
“We think about him often.”
Valenzuela was in his 21st season calling Dodgers games in Spanish alongside Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota.
Fernando Valenzuela’s Dodgers career
Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers out of Mexico and made his MLB debut in 1980. However, it was the following season where he made a true impact and spawned the “Fernandomania” phenomenon.
The 1981 season saw Valenzuela earn All-Star Game honors en route to winning the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Awards, in addition to a Silver Slugger. Valenzuela’s remarkable rookie season was capped off by helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
Valenzuela spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers but finished his career by pitching for the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals during the 1997 season.
The Dodgers celebrated Valenzuela and nearly 80 employees who had 25 or more years of service with the franchise last month. Valenzuela completed his 33rd year with the organization.
On Aug. 11, 2023, the Dodgers retired Fernando Valenzuela’s No. 34 that kicked off a special three-day celebration at Dodger Stadium dubbed “Fernandomania” weekend.
Valenzuela became the 12th player to have his number retired by the Dodgers. He 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.
In 2019, Valenzuela was part of the inaugural class of “Legends of Dodger Baseball,” along with Don Newcombe and Steve Garvey.
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