Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The city of LA and indeed the entire baseball world was heartbroken on Tuesday as news broke of the death of Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic Mexican pitcher who passed away at age 63. A legend on and off the field, Valenzuela’s story is one of overcoming humble beginnings, breaking cultural barriers, and captivating generations of fans. His impact on the sport, especially within the Mexican and Mexican American communities, extends far beyond the mound.
Valenzuela was born in 1960 in Etchohuaquila, a small village in Mexico. He grew up in a modest household, where baseball was more than a game—it was a dream. His father, a farmer, encouraged him to pursue his passion despite limited resources. As a teenager, Fernando showed immense talent, playing for local teams in Sonora. His skills soon caught the attention of professional scouts, leading him to sign with the Dodgers in 1979.
Though he arrived in the United States with little fanfare, Valenzuela’s meteoric rise came in 1981 when he took Major League Baseball by storm. Starting on Opening Day due to an injury to veteran pitcher Jerry Reuss, the 20-year-old rookie made history. In a stunning eight-game winning streak to begin the season, he threw five shutouts and compiled an astonishing 0.50 ERA, sparking a phenomenon that came to be known as “Fernandomania.” His distinctive windup—glancing skyward as if seeking guidance from above—became a trademark, while his devastating screwball mystified hitters and redefined the expectations for a rookie pitcher.
Valenzuela became the first player ever to win both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in the same season, propelling the Dodgers to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees. Broadcaster Vin Scully, who witnessed Valenzuela’s historic run, described it to the LA Times as “the most puzzling, wonderful, rewarding thing we’ve seen in baseball in many, many years.”
The fervor surrounding Valenzuela transcended sports, resonating especially with Latino communities in Los Angeles who had long felt marginalized. For many, he was not just a pitcher but a symbol of cultural pride and resilience. His starts at Dodger Stadium were electric, transforming the ballpark into what some described as “an East L.A. backyard party.” The crowds were filled with fans waving Mexican flags and families packing the bleachers to catch a glimpse of the young star who represented the possibilities of the American dream.
Fernando’s popularity was all the more meaningful to those who remembered the history of Dodger Stadium, which was built over displaced Latino communities. His success brought the hearts and minds of many Mexicans and Mexican Americans to the ballpark for the first time. “Fernando was really key for bringing the hearts and minds of la raza to the stadium,” said filmmaker Richard Montoya in an obituary in today’s LA Times. For the fans, Valenzuela embodied a connection to their heritage. They saw themselves in him—a relatable figure affectionately dubbed “gordito” or “the uncle who made good.”
The Dodgers’ decision to embrace Valenzuela as a star also helped reshape the team’s business strategy. Spanish-language radio broadcasts became a focal point, with ratings soaring during his starts. As his influence grew, so did the Dodgers’ reach into Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries, solidifying their place as a cultural and athletic institution within the Latino community. “He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever,” said team president Stan Kasten in that same obituary from the Times.
Despite the heights of “Fernandomania,” Valenzuela’s career had its ups and downs. He experienced struggles with consistency and injuries that affected his performance in the latter half of the 1980s. In 1991, the Dodgers released him, a decision that shocked and saddened many. Though he continued to play for other teams in subsequent years, including the California Angels and St. Louis Cardinals, his best days on the mound were behind him. However, his resilience and dedication to the game ensured that he remained a beloved figure in baseball.
Fernando found his way back to the Dodgers in a different role years later. As a Spanish-language broadcaster and ambassador, he rekindled his relationship with the organization and the fan base, providing insight and inspiration to younger generations of players and fans. In 2023, the Dodgers retired his No. 34 jersey in a heartfelt ceremony, breaking their long-standing tradition of only retiring numbers of Hall of Famers. The crowd erupted in cheers as Valenzuela, ever humble, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s something I never expected.”
His influence was felt beyond the baseball diamond. Valenzuela’s success inspired countless young Latinos to pursue their own dreams in sports and beyond. He was not just a role model for aspiring athletes but also a cultural icon who transcended the game. Jaime Jarrín, the Hall of Fame Spanish-language announcer for the Dodgers, emphasized his impact on the community: “A shining light that illuminated baseball has gone out, and I have lost a dear friend.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed these sentiments, saying, “To millions, Fernando Valenzuela was more than a baseball player. He was an icon that transcended the limits of hope and dreams.”
Even as he transitioned away from playing, his legacy remained vivid. Valenzuela’s lasting influence could be seen in the legions of fans who still wore No. 34 jerseys, many of whom had grown up watching his dazzling performances. His presence at Dodger Stadium was always a reminder of the magic of “Fernandomania” and its lasting impact on the city’s cultural and sporting landscape.
The news of Valenzuela’s passing on Tuesday sent waves of grief across the baseball world and beyond. He leaves behind a legacy that transcends the sport—a legacy that speaks to the power of perseverance, the beauty of cultural pride, and the joy of witnessing greatness. Fernando Valenzuela will forever be remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers and brought people together, an enduring symbol of hope for countless fans around the world.
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