The legendary Mexican pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Fernando 'El Toro' Valenzuela, passed away on the night of Tuesday, October 22. His death occurred just before the team faced the New York Yankees in a rematch of the 1981 World Series, where Valenzuela secured a victory for the Dodgers.
Valenzuela became famous in his first season in Major League Baseball by winning the Rookie of the Year Award, sparking 'Fernandomania' in Major League Baseball. He debuted in MLB on September 15, 1980, as a relief pitcher, making his first appearance in a game against the Atlanta Braves.
In the 1981 season, 'El Toro' impressed everyone with his outstanding performance, finishing the year with a record of 8-0 and an incredible ERA of 0.50. He won both the Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award, helping the Dodgers secure the World Series championship.
Throughout his 17-season career in Major League Baseball, Valenzuela was selected six times for the All-Star Game, recording the highest number of wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) for any pitcher born in Mexico. After his retirement, he served as a Spanish-language commentator for the Dodgers.
Fernando Valenzuela was hospitalized in late September due to liver-related health issues. In early October, it was announced that he would step away from broadcasting for the Dodgers for the remainder of the season to focus on his health. Despite medical efforts, he sadly passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 63.
The news of his passing was confirmed by the Dodgers, who expressed their sorrow for the loss of a team legend. Valenzuela's family requested privacy during his illness and thanked fans for their love and support. His legacy in baseball and his presence in the hearts of fans will last forever.
