The shocking news came late Tuesday: Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Dodgers pitcher, passed away at age 63. His health had been in decline, and he left his role in the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast team earlier in the season to focus on his health. While his condition remained private, his death was unexpected and saddening.
As we mourn the loss of a Dodgers icon, we can take comfort in knowing that Fernando received his much-deserved recognition while he was still with us. His legacy, both on and off the field, will forever resonate with the Dodgers community and beyond.
Valenzuela wasn’t just another great player in the Dodgers’ history; he was arguably the most culturally influential player to ever wear the Dodgers uniform. His impact transcended his baseball achievements, touching the hearts of fans and leaving a mark that will never fade.
The Birth of Fernandomania
In 1981, a 19-year-old Fernando Valenzuela took the baseball world by storm. On Opening Day, as a last-minute starting pitcher, he delivered a shutout against the Houston Astros, kicking off what would become one of the most memorable rookie seasons in baseball history. He won his first eight starts, five of which were complete-game shutouts, igniting a wave of excitement known as “Fernandomania.”
That season, divided by a players’ strike, saw Valenzuela win both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards. His stats were astounding: a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, 11 complete games, eight shutouts, and 180 strikeouts in 192⅓ innings. He led the league in nearly every major pitching category.
A Historic World Series Moment
One of the most iconic moments of Valenzuela’s career came in the 1981 World Series. With the Dodgers down 2-0 to the Yankees, Fernando was called upon to pitch Game 3. Despite not being at his best, he delivered a 149-pitch performance that led the Dodgers to a 5-4 victory. This game marked the beginning of the Dodgers’ four straight wins to claim the World Series title. As legendary broadcaster Vin Scully put it, “It wasn’t his best performance, but it was his finest.”
Unforgettable Achievements
Fernando’s career was filled with highlights. In 1986, he won 21 games and famously struck out five consecutive batters in the All-Star Game. In 1990, he pitched a no-hitter, and Scully urged fans to throw their sombreros into the air in celebration.
Valenzuela’s signature pitch, the screwball, became legendary, and his calm demeanor on the mound—gazing skyward during his delivery—endeared him to fans across the country.
A Cultural Icon
Valenzuela’s influence extended far beyond the baseball diamond. His arrival in Los Angeles had a profound impact on the Latino community, which had previously harbored resentment toward the Dodgers due to the displacement of Mexican-American residents from Chavez Ravine to make way for Dodger Stadium. Fernando’s success helped bridge that gap, healing old wounds and creating a new generation of Latino Dodger fans.
Jaime Jarrín, the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcaster, noted the shift in the fan base: “When I started with the Dodgers in 1959, only about eight percent of the fans were Latino. Now, it’s around 46 percent.” Valenzuela’s success made Dodger Stadium a place where Spanish and English fans alike could cheer from every section, from the bleachers to the luxury boxes.
A Lasting Legacy
Fernando’s legacy was cemented when the Dodgers retired his number 34 in August 2023, breaking their policy of only retiring numbers of Hall of Famers. While he never officially made it into the Hall of Fame, his impact on the game and the Dodgers organization was undeniable. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it best: “With what Fernandomania, Fernando Valenzuela, did for the Dodgers, the fan base, and Major League Baseball entirely, his impact is just as significant as anyone in the Hall of Fame.”
Though there were a few years of estrangement between Valenzuela and the Dodgers, he rejoined the organization in 2003 as a member of their Spanish-language broadcast team. His return was celebrated, and both the team and the fans were better for it.
Farewell, Fernando
As we say goodbye to Fernando Valenzuela, we remember not just the pitcher, but the man who became a symbol of hope and pride for countless fans. His presence on the field may be gone, but Fernandomania will live on forever.
With the Dodgers facing the Yankees in the World Series once again, it seems fitting to remember that legendary 149-pitch performance. As the games unfold, may Fernando’s spirit continue to inspire fans and players alike.
