Key Takeaways:
– Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has passed away at 63
– Valenzuela brought about ‘Fernandomania,’ in the world of baseball
– He will be honoured during the Dodgers’ World Series games
– Valenzuela was deeply loved in Los Angeles’ Latino community
– His pitching skills secured a space in the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Loss of a Dodgers Icon
The world of baseball mourns the untimely demise of Fernando Valenzuela, the esteemed Mexican-born pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who passed away at the age of 63. Known for fueling ‘Fernandomania,’ Valenzuela’s legacy in the world of baseball is cemented by his significant contributions to the game during his tenure with the team. The cause and the specific details of his death remain unrevealed as the baseball world reels from the shock.
Early Departure Amidst World Series
His passing comes in the wake of the Dodgers preparing for the upcoming World Series against the New York Yankees, set to occur this Friday. The team is planning to honor Valenzuela during the series, acknowledging his vital influence on the Dodgers’ history and success.
Valenzuela graphically etched his name on the ‘Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes’ with his indomitable spirit and remarkable pitching skills. Although Valenzuela had withdrawn from his color commentator role on the Dodgers’ Spanish-language television broadcast without explanation, his presence remained vibrant in the baseball community.
Influence and Achievements
With the Latino community of Los Angeles enamored by his rise from the humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 kids in Mexico to a celebrated Dodger’s pitcher, Valenzuela was an inspiring figure. His feats on the field introduced many new fans to Major League Baseball and earned him a permanent place in the hearts of existing fans, even years after his retirement.
Valenzuela proved himself as one of the most dominant players of the 80’s, albeit he never got placed in the Baseball Hall of Fame. However, the town of Cooperstown does have several artifacts, notably a signed ball from his famous no-hitter in 1990, as a testament to Valenzuela’s baseball prowess.
Fernandomania Revolution
The wave of the ‘Fernandomania’ craze was ignited by Valenzuela’s game-changing participation in the 1981 season, as he led the team to numerous victories. In 1981, Valenzuela earned the honor of becoming the first player to be bestowed with a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season. During this time, the ABBA hit “Fernando” became the anthem playing during his warm-up time on the mound.
Remembered as ‘El Toro’
Fondly named ‘El Toro’ by fans, Valenzuela became noted for his unique and unforgettable pitching motion. The screwball, a rare pitch among his contemporaries, was a part of Valenzuela’s arsenal, taught to him by teammate Bobby Castillo when the Dodgers felt the need for Valenzuela to have another pitch in hand. Over time, Valenzuela became a proficient hitter, hitting ten career home runs, further cementing his place in baseball history.
An Improbable Journey to Stardom
From humble beginnings in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, Fernando Valenzuela’s journey to stardom in the U.S. was marked by perseverance and talent. Impressing legendary Dodgers scout Mike Brito at just 18 years old, Valenzuela joined the Dodgers in 1979, making his big league debut as a reliever just a year later. In his career span, Valenzuela bagged multiple accolades and even made it to the cover of Sports Illustrated and visited the White House.
Valenzuela’s Legacy
Valenzuela was not just a remarkable player but a beacon of inspiration to the Latino community of LA. As Rob Manfred, Baseball Commissioner, noted, Fernando played a significant role in the cultivation of a new generation of fans and will forever remain a beloved figure in Dodger history. Post-retirement, Valenzuela served on the coaching staff for Mexico during the World Baseball Classic and had a part-ownership of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo.
Surviving him are his wife Linda, children Fernando Jr., Ricky, Linda, and Maria, along with seven grandchildren. As the world bids adieu to this legend, his impact on baseball would forever remain etched in history.