Generations of fans were inspired by his journey from a little Mexican village to spectacular success in Major League Baseball, which also caused a dramatic change in the Dodgers fan base’s demographics.
His unconventional pitching motion, unique body type, and enigmatic aura made a lasting impression on people from all walks of life, whether they were Mexican immigrants and their families, the Latino community in Los Angeles dealing with the uprooting caused by the Dodgers’ stadium construction, or artists motivated by his skill on the mound.
Fernando Valenzuela, a Dodgers great, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. His wife, Linda, four children, seven grandchildren, and other family members survive him.
Despite a long-standing tradition that the Dodgers only retired a player’s jersey number for those who were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Valenzuela’s influence lasted so long and so strongly that the team did so in 2023.
It was an appropriate conclusion to a public baseball career that had an extraordinary start, a startling and enthralling period in 1981 that would go down in history as “Fernandomania.” As demonstrated by the large number of No. 34 Dodgers jerseys in the stands and the applause he would receive at home games when he was displayed on the scoreboard, Valenzuela remained a cherished and mysterious hero who was never far from fans’ hearts, even though the left-hander never quite achieved those heights in his playing career again.
In a statement, Dodgers team president and CEO Stan Kasten said, “We deeply mourn Fernando’s passing on behalf of the Dodger organization.” He should be on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes since he is one of the most significant Dodgers of all time. Through the Fernandomania season of 1981, he inspired the fan base, and as a player and commentator, he has continued to have a special place in our hearts. We all lost him far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Linda, and his family.
