Key Takeaways
- Fernando Valenzuela recently stepped down as the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcaster, sparking health concerns.
- He has been a beloved broadcaster for the Dodgers for over two decades.
- In 1991, Valenzuela was diagnosed with myocardial bridging, a rare heart condition.
Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic Mexican former professional baseball pitcher, is currently not known to be suffering from any specific illness.
At 63 years old, Valenzuela is believed to be living a healthy life, and no official reports indicate he is sick.
However, his recent decision to step away from his role as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Los Angeles Dodgers has sparked speculation and concern.
Fans are left wondering if health issues are behind his sudden departure from the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast team, where he has been a beloved figure for over two decades.
Fernando Valenzuela is in our thoughts and prayers and we will respect his privacy at this time as he steps away from his broadcasting duties on KTNQ-AM. #DODGERS #ElToro 💙⚾️🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/ArvBESeTa1
— └A DODGERS LAKERS NEWS (@DodgersLakers) September 29, 2024
Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group reports that Valenzuela has left his role and will not rejoin the Dodgers’ playoff broadcasts.
The Dodgers organization has not provided any specific reason for his departure, fueling further speculation about his health.
For over 20 years, he provided exceptional analysis and commentary for National League West games through the Dodgers’ Spanish-language feed on SportsNetLA.
His sudden departure has left many fans and colleagues concerned, wondering if he is facing health issues or other personal matters.
Some fans have noticed a significant change in Valenzuela’s physical appearance in recent public appearances. He appears to have lost a noticeable amount of weight, sparking concerns about his health.
A Facebook user made a post on the Dodgers Nation official page, stating:
Kinda worried about Fernando Valenzuela. He doesn’t look well. Just saw a reel that shows him signing autographs and he looks fragle. Does anyone know his health status ?
Via Facebook
In response, several people commented that they had noticed the same changes in his appearance, with many pointing out that he looks much thinner.
Some expressed hope that Valenzuela’s weight loss is simply a natural part of aging rather than an indicator of illness.
Others mentioned that he still seems to be in good health and suggested that the weight loss might not be a cause for alarm.
Despite the ongoing speculation, there has been no official confirmation that Valenzuela is dealing with any illness.
Fans can only wait and speculate Until Fernando Valenzuela or the Dodgers organization provides more information.
Fernando Valenzuela’s Rare Heart Condition in 1991
In 1991, Fernando Valenzuela was diagnosed with a rare condition called myocardial bridging, which restricts blood flow to his heart.
After an angiogram, Dr. Larry Santora explained that a slight bend in the muscle around Valenzuela’s heart causes an artery to crimp when the heart contracts.
Despite this, Valenzuela was able to recover through medication and exercise, and he continued his baseball career afterward.
Dr. Santora clarified that Valenzuela’s heart issue was unlike those of other athletes, as it wasn’t associated with abnormal heartbeats.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Fernando Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, to parents Avelino and María.
- He played for 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), from 1980 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1997.
- In 1981, Valenzuela married Linda Burgos, a Mexican schoolteacher, and they have four children.
