As the Los Angeles Dodgers entered their final stretch of games during the regular season, Fernando Valenzuela suddenly became absent from the Spanish-language broadcast booth.
Valenzuela, his family nor the Dodgers provided any details, but it was reported the beloved figure would not return to calling games during the postseason.
The Dodgers have since confirmed as much as Valenzuela looks to get healthy and make his return in 2025.
“Fernando Valenzuela has stepped away from the Dodger broadcast booth for the remainder of this year to focus on his health,” the team 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.”
Valenzuela is in his 21st season calling Dodgers games in Spanish alongside Pepe Yñiguez and José Mota.
Valenzuela transitioned to broadcasting after a remarkable 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 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 left-hander captivated the Dodgers fanbase during an historic rookie season that spawned “Fernandomania.”
Earlier this month, the Dodgers celebrated Valenzuela and nearly 80 employees with 25 or more years of service with the franchise. Valenzuela is in his 33rd year with the organization.
Dodgers retire Fernando Valenzuela’s jersey
Decades after not issuing No. 34 to any other player, the Dodgers officially retired Valenzuela’s jersey last year during a three-day celebratory weekend at Dodger Stadium.
“It means a lot,” Valenzuela said at the time. “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 also is part of the Dodger Stadium Ring of Honor.
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