Dodgers Icon Fernando Valenzuela PASSES Away, But “Fernandomania” Will…read more
LOS ANGELES — Dodgers icon Fernando Valenzuela, the baseball legend whose career and personality captivated fans worldwide, passed away Tuesday at 63 following a quiet battle with liver cancer. Known for his unique pitching style and the fervor he sparked among Dodgers fans, especially in the Latino community, Valenzuela’s legacy continues to shine.
Valenzuela had been ill for some time, yet he remained private about his condition, choosing not to burden his friends and fans with worry. As his health declined, his once-vibrant spirit grew noticeably subdued. Many who spent time with him this summer sensed something was amiss. When the Dodgers played the Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix six weeks ago, even his long-time friends observed that he was unusually quiet, distant, and lacking his trademark humor. His refusal to discuss his health only reinforced his desire for privacy.
Diagnosed with liver cancer, Valenzuela remained stoic, determined not to invite pity. Even as he silently suffered, he embodied the same strength and humility he displayed during his incredible baseball career. The legacy of “Fernandomania” — the phenomenon that erupted in 1981 when he broke onto the scene with a jaw-dropping debut season — remains etched in Dodgers history and in the hearts of his fans.
Hailing from Etchohuaquila, Mexico, Valenzuela’s sudden rise to fame as a Dodgers pitcher was nothing short of sensational. In 1981, he became the first player to win both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in the same season, a feat unmatched to this day. His impact was immediate and powerful: the Latino community swelled with pride, Dodgers fans united, and even those outside the Latino community scrambled to learn a few words of Spanish to connect with the phenomenon Valenzuela had created.
So iconic was Valenzuela that his first name, “Fernando,” became synonymous with greatness in baseball, especially for Mexican fans. In Mexico, he was beloved beyond measure, recognized without need for a surname or formal introductions. He was a national hero, a man whose popularity and influence transcended baseball, allowing him to move through life with a kind of reverence rarely afforded athletes.
Now, with his passing just days before the World Series matchup between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees, the loss feels especially poignant for fans and the Dodgers organization alike. Dodgers CEO and President Stan Kasten remarked, “He is one of 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 close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”
Though Valenzuela never made it to the Baseball Hall of Fame, his place in Dodgers lore is undebatable. His No. 34 jersey remains a staple at Dodger Stadium, a visible reminder of his impact. Whether displayed on the videoboard or as part of the Spanish-language broadcast team, his presence consistently brought the crowd to its feet, chanting his name and honoring his contributions.
Unlike many athletes, Valenzuela was never one to seek the spotlight or boast of his achievements. He allowed his record-breaking rookie year, his unique pitching style, and his personality to speak for themselves. In Dodger Stadium today, he is still revered as one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, a testament to his influence on the team, the fans, and the city of Los Angeles.
As Dodgers fans gather to cheer on their team, they will undoubtedly be carrying Fernando’s legacy with them, his memory living on in every pitch, every chant, and every No. 34 jersey worn in the stands. Valenzuela may be gone, but the era he defined — and the unbreakable connection he forged between the Dodgers and their Latino fans — will live on forever.
