Mexican baseball icon Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63
Fernando Valenzuela, the beloved left-handed pitcher from Mexico who captured the hearts of baseball fans around the world, has passed away at the age of 63.
He was born on November 1, 1960.
The Dodgers and Major League Baseball commissioner Robert Manfred Jr., on Tuesday confirmed Mr Valenzuela’s demise.
The cause of death was not stated.
A legend for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Mr Valenzuela had an excellent performance in the 1981 season at just 20 years, captivating fans with his unique windup and devastating screwball pitch. He was known for calm demeanour, unconventional delivery and unmatched precision.
Mr Valenzuela had recently taken a leave of absence from his role as a broadcaster for the Dodgers, citing health concerns, with plans to return for the 2025 season.
His breakthrough came in the 1981 season, hitting global stardom, winning the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards.
His dominance on the mound contributed to the Dodgers’ World Series victory that year, and “Fernandomania” was born an international sensation that made him one of the sport’s most recognised names. Mr Valenzuela remained a key figure in the Dodgers’ pitching staff throughout the 1980s.
His lasting legacy includes six All-Star appearances and a no-hitter in 1990.
Despite injuries later in his career, Mr Valenzuela’s influence on the game particularly among Latino players was profound and was inducted into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2023, the Dodgers retired his iconic No. 34 jersey.
Mr Valenzuela left behind a wife, Linda and four children.
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