The news of Fernando Valenzuela’s death at age 63 on Tuesday sent shockwaves through the baseball community.
Valenzuela, who united Los Angeles’ Mexican American community with his heroics on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1980s, was 63. No cause of death was immediately announced.
More news: Legendary Dodgers Pitcher Passes Away
As a 20-year-old in 1981, Valenzuela threw complete games in each of his first eight starts in 1981; five were shutouts. He finished the season 13-7 with a league-leading 180 strikeouts in 192.1 innings.
The Dodgers beat the New York Yankees in the World Series that October, a matchup that will be reprised Friday at Dodger Stadium. After the World Series, Valenzuela was voted the winner of the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards.
After 11 years (1980-90) electrifying the fan base in Los Angeles, Valenzuela went on to pitch for the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals from 1991-97.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Former pitcher Fernando Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Dodgers gives autographs to fans before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on April 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Valenzuela died Tuesday at age 63.
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Valenzuela’s fans inside and outside the game took to social media to offer their memories of the legendary pitcher on Tuesday.
“All I’ve ever heard growing up in East LA was this man’s name,” retired major league pitcher Ricky Romero wrote on his Twitter/X account. “The reason why we grew up being big Dodger fans. The stories were endless in our household. Que en Paz descanse LEYENDA! 🙏🏽”
All I’ve ever heard growing up in East LA was this man’s name. The reason why we grew up being big Dodger fans. The stories were endless in our household. Que en Paz descanse LEYENDA! 🙏🏽 https://t.co/YQ6S3gmJNW
— Ricky Romero (@Ricky_Ro24) October 23, 2024
“RIP Fernando. Great pitcher and an even better person,” wrote Mark Gubicza, a former pitcher and current broadcaster for the Los Angeles Angels, on his Twitter/X account. “Loved watching you compete and it was an honor to share the same mound as you. 🙏🏼”
RIP Fernando. Great pitcher and an even better person. Loved watching you compete and it was an honor to share the same mound as you. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/tZFqyTuKBN
— Mark Gubicza (@Markgubicza) October 23, 2024
“A great one no matter what uniform,” wrote former New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians pitcher Joba Chamberlain, on Twitter/X. “Did so much for the game of baseball #rip_legend“
Actor Danny Trejo, a Los Angeles native and an avowed Dodger fan, also reacted to news of Valenzuela’s death by posting a photo of himself with the pitcher on his Twitter/X page.
“God bless Fernando Valenzuela! #Dodgers,” the caption read.
Jessica Mendoza, a broadcast analyst with the Dodgers and ESPN, wrote: “My heart is so broken. An absolute legend and was one of the many reasons I fell in love with Dodger baseball 💔🥹#Fernandomaniaforever“
“I used to live by this mural in New York City,” Angels play-by-play broadcaster Wayne Randazzo wrote on his Twitter/X page. “The power of Fernandomania. RIP to a true baseball icon.”
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