⚾ Fernando Valenzuela: A Trailblazer for Latinos and Baseball Legend
As the Dodgers head into the World Series against the Yankees, the “Bull from Etchohuaquila” will surely be watching.
Fernando Valenzuela was a Mexican-born left handed pitcher who led the Dodgers to a World Series win over the New York Yankees and forever transformed the team's fanbase. He died on Tuesday, October 22nd at a Los Angeles hospital at age 63. The Los Angeles Dodgers announced his death online, days after he stepped away from his duties as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the team with an undisclosed illness.
His passing comes just days before the Dodgers face the Yankees in the World Series, a matchup not seen since 1981 when Valenzuela played a crucial role in their victory. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed that Valenzuela will be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.
Born in Navojoa, Mexico in 1960, Valenzuela burst onto the scene in 1981 as a rookie, winning his first eight games, five by shutout, with his unique pitching style. He played for the Dodgers from 1980 to 1990, including a memorable no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 29, 1990. Over his career he became one of the franchise's leaders in wins (141), strikeouts (1,759), innings pitched (2,348⅔), and shutouts (29). Valenzuela retired in 1997 and left a lasting legacy on and off the field.
Valenzuela became a U.S. citizen in 2015 and contributed to baseball beyond his playing days. He coached Mexico’s team in the World Baseball Classic and was part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo with his sons involved in the team's leadership.
Before Valenzuela joined the Dodgers, the team had a tense relationship with some Mexican-American fans who were still bitter over the displacement of Mexican-American families from Chavez Ravine to build Dodger Stadium. Valenzuela’s success changed everything and sparked "Fernandomania," a movement that brought thousands of Mexican-American fans to the stadium and reshaped how sports teams marketed to Latino fans.
At a time when many Mexican-American athletes, like Ted Williams, hid their heritage, Valenzuela proudly embraced his culture. His presence helped make the Dodgers one of the most beloved teams for Mexican-American fans.
After 17 seasons in the majors, Valenzuela transitioned to broadcasting for the Dodgers in 2003, a role he held until recently stepping away to focus on his health. The Dodgers retired his jersey number in 2023, breaking their own rule of only retiring numbers of Hall of Fame players, a testament to Valenzuela's profound impact on the team and the sport.