All-time MLB icon Fernando Valenzuela has passed away after losing his battle with long-time health issues. Valenzuela was a legend of the game and an enormously influential figure in Los Angeles’ Latino community due to his inspiring journey to the top. Valenzuela’s death was confirmed on Tuesday by his former side, the Los Angeles Dodgers. But what happened to the baseball veteran?
Here are all the available details about Valenzuela’s tragic demise.
Fernando Valenzuela dead at 63, claims report
The 1986 Golden Glove Award recipient breathed his last on October 22 at a Los Angeles hospital. However, the cause of Fernando Valenzuela’s death, including the ailments he was suffering from, currently remains unknown.
Having started his career with the Dodgers in 1981 due to a last-minute injury to Jerry Reuss, the Mexico-born pitcher recorded a glittering career on the field that spanned 16 years. While he is famous for his 10-year stint with the Dodgers, Valenzuela also represented five other teams in his career. After exiting Los Angeles in 1991, Valenzuela went on to play for the now-defunct California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals.
He finally hung up his boots in 1997 with one World Series championship, six All-Star nominations, and two Silver Slugger Awards, amongst other accolades to his name. Fernando Valenzuela’s acquisition of the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981 generated a massive buzz around his name, which fans affectionately dubbed Fernandomania.
After his retirement, Valenzuela re-joined the Dodgers as a commentator, initially for their Spanish-language radio broadcast, before transitioning to their TV program. He abruptly left this post in September 2024 due to health concerns before reportedly checking into a hospital earlier this month.
In the wake of Fernando Valenzuela’s untimely death, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has confirmed that the Dodgers will honor the legendary player prior to the team’s World Series opener against the New York Yankees. Valenzuela leaves behind his wife, Linda, two sons, Fernando Jr. and Ricky, two daughters, Linda and Maria, and seven grandchildren.