Remembering Fernando Valenzuela, the Dodgers' Iconic Pitching Legend
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the world of baseball mourn the loss of one of its most charismatic figures, Fernando Valenzuela. A revered pitcher who entranced fans with his exceptional skills and artistry on the mound, Valenzuela passed away at the age of 63, as announced by the Dodgers organization on a Tuesday.
Valenzuela, affectionately known as "El Toro," left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball after debuting with the Dodgers at only 19 years old in 1980. Born in the small Mexican town of Etchohuaquila, he began dazzling audiences early on with his unconventional but effective pitching prowess. Fernando’s journey to the Dodgers began in the Mexican League, playing for the Yucatán Leones, until the Dodgers signed him for $120,000—an investment that would pay immense dividends on and off the field.
His breakout came in 1981, a year fondly remembered in Dodgers history. Not only did Valenzuela secure the National League Rookie of the Year award, but he also became the youngest player to ever win the coveted Cy Young award. That season, Fernando posted a 13-7 record with a remarkable 2.48 ERA over 192 1/3 innings, leading the Dodgers to a memorable World Series victory against the New York Yankees. His performance was instrumental, cementing his status as a premier athlete of his era.
The streak of success was not a flash in the pan for Valenzuela. He graced the MLB All-Star Games consecutively from 1981 to 1986, illustrating his consistency and dominance. In 1986, he led the league in both wins and complete games, a testament to his durability and strategic command on the mound. One of his career highlights includes pitching a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 19, 1990—a feat that remains etched in Dodgers lore.
Though he fell off the Hall of Fame ballot in 2004, Valenzuela's legacy as a trailblazer, particularly for the Latino community, has never dimmed. "He meant so much to the Latino fan base. No other baseball player did what he did," revered broadcaster Jaime Jarrín once said, reflecting on Valenzuela's widespread impact.
Following his playing career, Valenzuela continued to influence the game from the broadcast booth, where he served as a Spanish-language commentator for the Dodgers for 22 seasons. Earlier this year, Valenzuela stepped away from broadcasting to focus on his health. In recognition of his immense contributions, the Dodgers retired his iconic No. 34 jersey in 2023, ensuring that his number stayed sacred since he left the team in 1990.
As fans and former teammates reflect on his life, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred described Valenzuela as "one of the most impactful players of his generation." Valenzuela’s memory will be honored during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium, a fitting tribute for a player who gave so much to the game he loved.
In his own words, Valenzuela once remarked to MLB.com, "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." Indeed, he achieved just that.
Valenzuela retired with a career record of 173-153 and a 3.54 ERA, leading all Mexican-born players in wins and innings pitched. His monumental impact on baseball transcends mere statistics, leaving behind a legacy filled with memorable moments and lifelong fans who forever cherished his contributions to baseball and its cultural landscape.