Remembering Fernando Valenzuela: A Dodger Legend
Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher known for captivating fans with his electrifying performances, left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. Valenzuela passed away at the age of 63, as announced by the Dodgers organization on a somber Tuesday. Despite this profound loss, his legacy will continue to be celebrated, notably during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium.
Valenzuela’s journey in professional baseball began as a 19-year-old phenom when he debuted with the Dodgers in 1980. His meteoric rise was cemented a year later in 1981 when he became the only player ever to win the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in the same season. That year, Valenzuela baffled hitters with his unorthodox delivery, amassing a 13-7 record with a 2.48 ERA across 192 and one-third innings, culminating in a postseason run that led the Dodgers to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees.
Born in the small town of Etchohuaquila, Valenzuela began playing baseball with the Yucatán Leones of the Mexican League as a teenager. This early start laid the foundation for a career that would etch his name in the annals of baseball history. The Dodgers recognized his potential, signing him for $120,000, a sum that would prove a bargain for the wealth of talent and fan engagement he brought to the team.
During his tenure with the Dodgers, Valenzuela earned consecutive selections to the MLB All-Star Games from 1981 to 1986. In 1986, he led the league in wins and complete games, further solidifying his dominance on the mound. A highlight of his career came on June 19, 1990, when he etched another remarkable achievement into his legacy by pitching a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Valenzuela’s career concluded with a record of 173-153 and a 3.54 ERA, establishing him as the all-time leader in wins and innings pitched among Mexican-born players. Yet, despite his on-field successes, Valenzuela fell off the Hall of Fame ballot in 2004, just his second year of eligibility, a fact many fans and critics still question.
Beyond his playing career, Valenzuela found a home in the broadcast booth, providing Spanish-language commentary for Dodgers games over 22 seasons. He stepped away from this role earlier in 2023 to attend to his health, but not before leaving a significant imprint on the community he loved.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred once said, "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." These words resonate deeply with those who witnessed the impact Valenzuela had not just on the field, but in the cultural fabric of baseball. Jaime Jarrín, a celebrated broadcaster, encapsulated this influence, noting, "He meant so much to the Latino fan base. No other baseball player did what he did." Valenzuela’s humility and commitment to the game were always at the forefront, exemplified by his own wish: "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.
The Dodgers provided a fitting tribute by officially retiring Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey in 2023, a number that had gone unworn since he left the team in 1990. His contributions extended beyond the statistical and into the hearts of fans, bridging cultural divides and uniting a diverse fan base through the shared love of baseball.
As the Dodgers prepare to honor his memory in the upcoming World Series, Fernando Valenzuela's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike. His story is one of triumph, dedication, and a love for the game that transcends borders and time.