Key Takeaways
- Fernando Valenzuela passed away in a Los Angeles hospital.
- He was hospitalized on October 1, 2024, for undisclosed health issues.
- Valenzuela played 17 MLB seasons, most notably with the Dodgers from 1980-1990.
Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic Mexican professional baseball pitcher, passed away at the age of 64 on October 22, 2024, due to health complications.
The Dodgers announced that he d*ed Tuesday night in a Los Angeles hospital, but no further details were provided regarding the cause of d*ath.
However, sources have indicated that Valenzuela had been battling cancer and heart problems for a long time and stated that his death was due to liver issues following a multi-organ collapse after being hospitalized.
[Dodgers] Former Padre and Mexican baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela has passed away at age 64 after a long battle with cancer
byu/LFGPads19 inPadres
Following the post, one fan paid tribute, writing:
Rest in peace, “34” Cancer sucks!! 😢
Via Reddit
Similarly, a user took to X to share a tweet about his demise, attributing the cause to cancer, writing:
Damnit. When I heard #FernandoValenzuela left his job and reportedly went into the hospital, I had a feeling this was coming. Cancer, I guess. RIP.
Via X
The Los Angeles Dodgers posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter), expressing their grief:
The Los Angeles Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. pic.twitter.com/MXeBlDzDWJ
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 23, 2024
American actor and television host Mario Lopez also shared his condolences, tweeting:
63 is way too young…. A piece of my childhood is gone. Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I’m a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. Growing up the youngest of 12 kids, he’s the only guy to ever win the Cy Young Award & Rookie Of The Year AND the World Series MVP all in the same year. Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend…
Via X
Dodgers President & CEO Stan Kasten issued a heartfelt statement:
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.
Via Time
Earlier reports from October 1, 2024, mentioned that Valenzuela had been hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. The details of his health condition were not specified at the time.
On September 24, 2024, Valenzuela stepped away from the broadcast booth during a Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres series, sparking concerns about his health. Later, it was confirmed that he would not be returning to broadcast the playoff games.
Valenzuela’s d*ath occurred just two days after the Dodgers secured the National League pennant.
A tribute to him is set to take place during the 2024 World Series.
Valenzuela is survived by his wife, Linda Burgos, four children, and seven grandchildren.
Fernando Valenzuela’s Career and Legacy to Remember
Fernando Valenzuela enjoyed a remarkable 17-season career in Major League Baseball (MLB), playing from 1980 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1997.
His most notable and celebrated years were spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1980 to 1990.
Still, toward the end of his career, he played for several other teams, including the California Angels (1991), Baltimore Orioles (1993), Philadelphia Phillies (1994), San Diego Padres (1995–1997), and St. Louis Cardinals in 1997.
Valenzuela remains the only player in MLB history to win both the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in the same season, a feat he accomplished during the legendary “Fernandomania” of 1981.
His career highlights include a win-loss record of 173-153, an ERA of 3.54, and 2,074 strikeouts.
After retiring from baseball following the 1997 season, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers in 2003 as a broadcaster, further solidifying his deep connection with the franchise and its fans.
In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Mexican Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Dodgers retired his iconic No. 34 jersey in 2023.
Though Fernando Valenzuela has passed, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations and remain a lasting part of baseball history.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Fernando Valenzuela, born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, was the son of Avelino and María.
- In 1977, he started his professional baseball journey by signing with the Mayos de Navojoa.
- On July 6, 1979, the Dodgers signed Valenzuela, and he made his debut toward the end of the 1980 season.
