The passing of Fernando 'El Toro' Valenzuela at the age of 63 has revived memories and anecdotes of the Mexican pitcher who became a legend of the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout his career. The 'Fernandomania' in Major League Baseball, his famous victory over the New York Yankees in the World Series, his distinctive screwball pitch, and his characteristic look to the sky before each pitch became known worldwide thanks to an "accident."
Valenzuela was discovered by Cuban scout Mike Brito, who recommended him to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he became an icon from his debut. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred highlighted Valenzuela's influence on his generation, especially during his standout season in 1981. The Mexican pitcher impressed the baseball world that year.
Throughout his career, Valenzuela proved to be a resilient and effective pitcher, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award, the Cy Young, and a World Series championship ring. He participated in six All-Star Games and was among the top five Cy Young candidates three times. His skill on the diamond allowed him to earn a salary exceeding one million dollars annually with the Los Angeles Dodgers, an uncommon sum at that time.
After his retirement, Valenzuela joined the Dodgers' Spanish-language broadcast team along with Jaime JarrÃn, following the team until he stepped away from broadcasting a few months ago. His legacy in baseball and his impact on the Latin community in Los Angeles made him an emblematic figure in the sports world. His charisma and talent on the mound positioned him as one of the greats of Major League Baseball.
