Baseball star and Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela passed away Oct. 22 at the age of 63.
The team said the talented athlete died at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide any further details. Valenzuela was a true force in the sport and will forever be remembered as one of the most dominant players of his era. The Mexican-born star inspired “Fernandomania” and has a loyal, devoted fanbase that is now mourning his loss.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Fernando Valenzuela waves to fans after throwing the ceremonial first pitch during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela.
“Fernandomania” swept through baseball in 1981 when the 20-year old rookie sensation began the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA. The lefthander capped off his incredible year by winning both the… pic.twitter.com/a28H5Cptox
— MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2024
News of Valenzuela’s death sent shockwaves through the professional baseball community and comes just as the Dodgers are preparing to open the World Series against the New York Yankees.
The iconic pitcher played 17 seasons in the MLB, the majority of which was dedicated to the Dodgers. He helped with a World Series win in 1981, when L.A. defeated the New York Yankees, and will forever be part of the fabric that formed the winning team.
He made history by becoming the first player to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young in the same season.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 29: Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela stands for a photo at a naturalization ceremony at Dodger Stadium on August 29, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The naturalization ceremony welcomed more than 2,100 immigrants from 120 countries and featured an appearance by Valenzuela who grew up in the small town of Navojoa, Mexico. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Fernando Valenzuela captivated the baseball world in 1981. His unforgettable year included winning the NL Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award & a World Series title.
We honor the memory of the Dodgers icon, who passed away Tuesday at age 63, with a look back at “Fernandomania.” pic.twitter.com/oAGgmddlFB
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 23, 2024
Valenzuela abruptly abandoned his commentator job on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast in September without explanation and was rumored to have been hospitalized earlier in October.
MLB also issued a statement, saying, in part, “we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela.”
Fans and fellow players are paying tribute to a true legend whose legacy will continue to live on. (RELATED: MLB Hit King Pete Rose Dies At 83)
Valenzuela is survived by his wife Linda and four children, Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda and Maria Fernanda, and seven grandchildren, according to TMZ.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
