Fernando Valenzuela, legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, dies at 63

Fernando Valenzuela, who starred for the Los Angeles Dodgers during his legendary career, has died. He was 63 years old.

Valenzuela burst onto the MLB scene in 1981 when he started the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA as part of one of the most dominant years in history. That hot start kicked off “Fernandomania,” and he played an integral part in the Dodgers’ World Series title that season. He ended the year with a 13-7 record and a 2.48 ERA, along with 11 complete games. He also was the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award winner as he made the first of six straight All-Star Game appearances.

Valenzuela was known for his unorthodox pitching style with a high leg kick and a look toward the sky – an iconic look. The Dodgers announced his passing Tuesday night, just days before the start of the World Series against the New York Yankees.

The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024

Coming out of Mexico, Valenzuela made his MLB debut in 1980. But that was only the beginning as he took baseball by storm from 1981-86. He went 97-68 during that stretch along with a 2.97 ERA and 1,258 strikeouts. He was also impressive as a hitter, winning two Silver Slugger awards.

In 1990, Valenzuela achieved one of baseball’s greatest feats when he threw his only career no-hitter. It was his final year with the Dodgers, and he no-hit the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.

After his time with the Dodgers came to an end, Fernando Valenzuela spent time with the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and the Cardinals before retiring in 1997. He remained a part of the Dodgers organization, though, serving as the color analyst on the franchise’s Spanish radio broadcasts. He also famously caught a ceremonial first pitch from the late Vin Scully before Game 2 of the 2017 World Series.

In 2021, MLB celebrated the 40th anniversary of “Fernandomania” and Valenzuela’s spectacular rookie season. As part of the commemoration, he spoke about how he wanted to be remembered in baseball and the legacy he left behind.

“It would be really great if they remembered me as someone who always tried his best to always give them a good show, so that they could have fun with this beautiful game,” he said in Spanish, via MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez.