(UPI) — legendary mexican pitcher Fernando ValeNzuelaThe Los Angeles Dodgers, who won the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in 1981 while playing for the Dodgers, and also won the World Series, have passed away, the team announced. He was 63 years old.
The Dodgers announced that the man who inspired the “Fernandomania” movement among fans died Tuesday in Los Angeles. The cause of death was not disclosed.
“On behalf of the Dodgers organization, we are deeply saddened by the passing of Fernando,” Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement. “He is one of the most influential Dodgers of all time and belongs on Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes.
“He thrilled the fan base with his 1981 Fernandomania season and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. My heart goes out to his wife Linda and his family.”
File/On October 23, 1981, pitcher No. 34 Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers plays against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the 1981 World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers defeated the Yankees 5-4. (Getty Images Focus on Sports)
Valenzuela, a native of Navojoa, made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1980 and was named an All-Star for six consecutive years. The left-handed pitcher started a National League-high 25 games in 1981, posting a 13-7 record with a 2.48 ERA and a league-high 180 strikeouts.
He also totaled 11 complete games and an MLB-best eight shutouts that season, earning him the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors.
Valenzuela spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers. He also played for the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, California Angels, and St. Louis Cardinals. He appeared in 453 career games, posting a record of 173 wins, 153 losses, and a 3.54 ERA.
Valenzuela was a top-five vote-getter for the Cy Young Award four times.
MLB commissioner: “Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most influential players of his generation'' rob manfred Said.
“Due to his unique pitching style, the Dodgers left-handed pitcher's rookie season generated so much excitement in the United States and his native Mexico that it became commonly referred to as “Fernandomania.''
“His 1981 season ranks as one of the most spectacular pitching periods in history, as Fernando became National League Rookie of the Year, National League Cy Young Award winner, Silver Slugger, and World Series Champion.
“Over the course of a memorable career, Fernando became an outstanding ambassador for the game of baseball. He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and other MLB events throughout his home country.
“As a member of the Dodgers broadcast team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped reach a new generation of fans and foster their love for the game. Fernando will always be a beloved figure in Dodgers history. and will remain a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired.”
Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers in 2003 as a radio commentator. He also worked as a color commentator for Sportsnet LA. The longtime Dodgers pitcher coached Mexico at the 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classics.
File / Los Angeles, California, October 5, 1983 / Fernando Valenzuela, known as “El Toro,” looks up at the sky at the top of a windup and throws a rarely used pitch called a screwball. It was known. (Don Kelsen/Los Angeles Times)
The Dodgers will officially retire his number 34 in 2023.
Manfred said Valenzuela will be honored during the 2024 World Series, which begins Friday at Dodger Stadium.
The ceremonial first pitch for the matchup between the New York Yankees and Dodgers is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. EDT in Los Angeles. The World Series will be broadcast on FOX.
