Fernando Valenzuela, the long-lasting Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher turned group Spanish broadcaster, has died, the group introduced Tuesday evening.
The legend performed 17 seasons in MLB … with a lot of his tenure spent with the Dodgers, who he helped to win a World Sequence in 1981, when L.A. defeated the New York Yankees.
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
@Dodgers
The Mexico-born celebrity turned the primary participant to win the Rookie of the 12 months and Cy Younger in the identical season! A virtually unmatchable feat.
As TMZ Sports activities beforehand reported … earlier this month, the Dodgers introduced Fernando wouldn’t return to his function with the group’s Spanish broadcast crew this season, saying he was taking time to deal with his well being.
The group made the stunning announcement a number of days after he abruptly left the mic on September 24 towards the San Diego Padres.
However, regardless of what seemed like a probably critical medical state of affairs, there was speak Fernando can be again subsequent season … which was music to the ears of Dodgers followers.
Sadly, Fernando will now have to observe from up above … as his beloved group will face the Yankees within the World Sequence beginning Friday.
With the information breaking, Dodgers nation is crushed … from group execs to the loyal fanbase.
“He is among the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the ‘Fernandomania’ season of 1981 and has remained near our hearts ever since, not solely as a participant but in addition as a broadcaster. He has left us all too quickly,” group president and CEO Stan Kasten mentioned.
We’re deeply saddened to listen to of the passing of former Dodgers nice Fernando Valenzuela.
“Fernandomania” swept via baseball in 1981 when the 20-year previous rookie sensation started the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA. The lefthander capped off his unbelievable yr by profitable each the… pic.twitter.com/a28H5Cptox
— MLB (@MLB) October 23, 2024
@MLB
Main League baseball additionally issued a press release, saying, partially … “We’re deeply saddened to listen to of the passing of former Dodgers nice Fernando Valenzuela.”
Valenzuela was a 6-time All-Star, and has essentially the most wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) of any Mexican-born pitcher. He spent the final 22 years as a Spanish language broadcaster for the Dodgers, who retired his No. 34 in 2023.
At the same time as a younger man, he was a star. “Fernandomania” swept via baseball in 1981 when the 20-year-old rookie sensation started the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA.
Fernando was 63 … and is survived by his spouse Linda and 4 kids, Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda and Maria Fernanda, and 7 grandchildren.
R.I.P.
