Baseball was forever changed by the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.” When Fernando Valenzuela made his MLB debut for the Dodgers on September 15, 1980, no one could have predicted the impact he would have on the game. Over the next seven years, the young southpaw from Mexico would become the face of the franchise.
Valenzuela, who passed away at the age of 63, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performance and immense pride for both the team he represented and the country of his birth. The 1981 season was a whirlwind for the Dodgers’ legend as he quickly rose to stardom and became an icon in the baseball world.
Valenzuela’s rookie season was one for the ages, as he went 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA and 196 strikeouts. He made history by winning both the Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young Award, while also helping lead the Dodgers to their fifth World Series title. His impact was felt not only in Los Angeles but also across the United States and Mexico, where his popularity skyrocketed.
Throughout the next nine seasons, Valenzuela solidified his place as one of the greats in Dodgers history, following in the footsteps of legends like Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale. His final season with the Dodgers in 1990 culminated in a memorable no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Valenzuela continued to play for several more teams before retiring with impressive career statistics. His cultural significance, especially in the Latino community, cannot be understated. Valenzuela’s impact went beyond the baseball field, bridging gaps and uniting fans from diverse backgrounds.
After his playing career, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers as a broadcaster, further solidifying his connection to the team and its fans. As the Dodgers prepare for the World Series, they do so with heavy hearts as they remember one of their greatest players and ambassadors of the sport.
Facing the Yankees in the World Series holds special significance, as it was against this same opponent that Valenzuela helped the Dodgers secure a championship in 1981. The team now has an added motivation to win it all and honor the legacy of a true Dodgers legend.