Fernando ValenzuelaThe iconic Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher turned Spanish team announcer has died, the team announced Tuesday night.
The legend played 17 seasons in the MLB… with much of his tenure spent with the Dodgers, who he helped win a World Series in 1981 when LA defeated the New York Yankees.
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the death of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
-Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
@Dodgers
The Mexican-born superstar became the first player to win Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in the same season! An almost incomparable feat.
As TMZ Sports previously reported … earlier this month, the Dodgers announced that Fernando would not return to his role on the team’s Spanish broadcast team this season, saying he was taking time to focus on his health.
The team made the surprising announcement several days after he abruptly left the microphone on Sept. 24 against the San Diego Padres.
But despite what appeared to be a potentially serious medical situation, there was talk that Fernando would return next season…which was music to the ears of Dodgers fans.
Unfortunately, Fernando will now have to watch from above… as his beloved team faces the Yankees in the World Series starting Friday.
Valenzuela is a 6-time All-Star and has the most wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) of any Mexican pitcher. He spent the last 22 years as a Spanish-language announcer for the Dodgers, who retired his number 34 in 2023.
Even as a young man, he was a star. “Fernandomania” swept baseball in 1981, when the 20-year-old rookie sensation started the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA.
He was 63 years old.
Rest in peace, Fernando!