Fernando ValenzuelaThe iconic Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher turned Spanish broadcaster has died, the team announced Tuesday night.
The legend played 17 seasons in the MLB… with much of his time with the Dodgers, who helped them win the 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 famous Mexican-born became the first player to win Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in the same season! A practically incomparable feat.
As TMZ Sports Activities previously reported… earlier this month, the Dodgers announced that Fernando would not return to his role with the team’s Spanish broadcast team this season, saying he was taking time to focus on his health.
The team made the surprising announcement a few days after he abruptly left the microphone on Sept. 24 to head to the San Diego Padres.
However, despite what appeared to be a potentially serious medical situation, there was talk that Fernando would be back 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.
As the news breaks, Dodger Nation is crushed… from the team’s executives to the loyal fan base.
“He is probably one of the most influential Dodgers of all time and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the 1981 ‘Fernandomania’ season and has remained in our hearts ever since, not only as a participant but also as an announcer. He left us very quickly,” said team president and CEO Stan Kasten.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Dodger Fernando Valenzuela.
“Fernandomania” swept baseball in 1981, when the 20-year-old rookie sensation started the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA. The left-hander capped off his incredible year by winning each… pic.twitter.com/a28H5Cptox
-MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2024
@MLB
Major League Baseball also issued a statement, saying, in part… “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Dodger Fernando Valenzuela.”
Valenzuela is a 6-time All-Star and has probably the most wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) of any pitcher born in Mexico. He spent the last 22 years as a Spanish-language announcer for the Dodgers, who retired his number 34 in 2023.
At the same time as he was younger, 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.
Fernando was 63 years old… and leaves his wife Linda and 4 children, Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda and Maria Fernanda, and 7 grandchildren.
TO TEAR APART