Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary pitcher whose astonishing rise to stardom with the Los Angeles Dodgers captivated baseball fans and created the cultural phenomenon known as “Fernandomania,” died on Tuesday, according to the Dodgers. Valenzuela was 63 years old. Before the Dodgers entered the 2024 finals, the team announced Valenzuela would no longer hold his regular broadcasting job for the remainder of the season “to focus on his health.” “He is one of the Dodgers’ most influential players ever and deserves to stand alongside the club’s heroes,” said club president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.

Fernando Valenzuela 1960 2024 Hoodie

MLB Commissioner Robert Manfred, Jr. called Valenzuela “one of the most influential players of his generation”. He said the famous pitcher will be honored in the upcoming World Series. During his 17-year career in MLB, Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star. He finished his career with 173 regular season wins and over 2,000 strikeouts. Valenzuela played 11 seasons for the Dodgers and played for the California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres. The youngest of 12 children, Valenzuela came from the small town of Etchohuaquila in the Mexican state of Sonora and grew up to become one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball history.

Part of the reason he is loved by fans is his unusual physique. He had long hair and was a bit chubby, but his calm demeanor, windup symbol, and dominant pitching performance captivated the Latino community and the world. With just 24 hours’ notice, Valenzuela became the center of worldwide attention in 1981, when Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda selected him as the team’s starting pitcher on Opening Day due to two hits. The club’s starting pitcher was injured at the last minute.