The legacy of Fernando Valenzuela

Heartbreak would probably best describe how the Los Angeles Dodgers and their fans are feeling now that news of the passing of former pitching great Fernando Valenzuela has come to light.

“On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando,” said Stan Kasten, President & CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers. “He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.”

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

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

Not only was Valenzuela an All-Star pitcher for the Dodgers, but he had become a welcomed fixture in the team’s broadcast booth, press box and around the stadium long after his playing days were over.

When he came up on the Major League Baseball scene, Fernandomania was a revered praise that fans bestowed on the Mexican-born native. If you lived at the time that Fernandomania was at its peak, the popular chant was everywhere. Valenzuela became an iconic figure during the decade (1980 to 1990) that he played for the Dodgers.

“He turned the game into a religion,” Hall of Fame broadcaster Jaime Jarrin once said.

He came up as a hotshot 19-year-old rookie for the Dodgers and had limited success. It wasn’t until his second season that Valenzuela looked like he was going to be a keeper. Aside from the statistical accolades he achieved, Valenzuela was an even more cultural icon.

When you look at his final numbers 173 wins against 134 defeats and a 3.54 era, they do not tell the entire scope of Valenzuela’s dominance and impact on the game. Outside of Kobe Bryant, no professional athlete has come to personify the city of Los Angeles as Valenzuela did.

And beyond the racial barrier-breaking Jackie Robinson, no other Dodger has been as culturally important to the team as Valenzuela, who was part of two World Series teams. Valenzuela became the first person to win the Rookie of the Year Award and Cy Young Award in the same season (1981).

Fernandomanía por siempre. Fernandomania forever. pic.twitter.com/zXhOF8cRCP

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

And yet he was never given the nod to become a Hall of Famer. The Dodgers retired his jersey in the summer of 2023.

“To be a part of the group that includes so many legends is a great honor,” Valenzuela said on being part of the Dodgers Ring of Honor and having his number retired. “But also for the fans — the support they’ve given me as a player and working for the Dodgers, this is also for them. I’m happy for all the fans and all the people who have followed my career. They’re going to be very excited to know that my №34 is being retired.”

Valenzuela’s passing comes as the Dodgers prepare to play the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series. Commissioner of Baseball Robert D. Manford Jr. issued a lengthy statement paying homage to Valenzuela and his legacy.

“Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation. With his distinctive pitching style, the Dodger left-hander’s rookie season generated so much excitement in the U.S. and his native Mexico that it became commonly referred to as ‘Fernandomania.’ His 1981 season ranks among the most decorated pitching years of all-time as Fernando was the National League Rookie of the Year, the NL Cy Young Award winner, a Silver Slugger, and a World Series Champion,” Manfred said.

“Following his memorable career, Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball. He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events across his home country. As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped to reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired,” he added

Top Photo Caption: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela pitches at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif., 1988. (AP Photo)