The recent death of Fernando Valenzuela at the age of 63, which occurred on October 22, 2024, has shocked the world of baseball and its countless fans. This outstanding Mexican baseball player, known for his exceptional career as a pitcher in the Major Leagues, left an indelible mark on the history of sports.
Since his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1980, Valenzuela became an icon, not only for his talent on the mound, but also for his ability to connect with the Latino community in the United States.
His pitching style, dubbed ‘the Valenzuela phenomenon,’ not only attracted media attention, but also helped popularize baseball among a public that felt represented by his success.
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As the news of his death spread, many began to immerse themselves in searching for Fernando Valenzuela’s biography and details of his life.
Who was Fernando Valenzuela?
Fernando Valenzuela, affectionately known as ‘El Toro’, is an iconic figure in Mexican baseball, whose influence has transcended the sport. Born on November 1, 1960 in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Valenzuela debuted in the Major Leagues on September 15, 1980, and quickly developed as an exceptional pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
During his 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, he not only stood out for his skill on the mound, but also became a symbol of pride for the Latino community in the United States.
His unmistakable throwing style and charisma on the field spawned a social phenomenon known as ‘Fernandomania’, which attracted a multitude of fans and transformed the way baseball was perceived at the time.
Valenzuela is remembered for his unique pitching style and his impact on baseball, which helped popularize the sport among the Latino community in the United States. Photo: Social networks.
Throughout his career, Valenzuela accumulated numerous honors, including the prestigious Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, becoming the first National League player to win both awards in the same season.
Furthermore, his contribution to the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series victory against the New York Yankees solidified his legacy in baseball history. Throughout his career, he was selected to the All-Star Game six times, reflecting his consistency and outstanding talent.
In an act of recognition of his cultural and sporting impact, the Los Angeles City Council declared August 11 as ‘Fernando Valenzuela Day’, while the Dodgers retired his number 34 in 2023, ensuring that his legacy lives on in memory. . collective of baseball fans.
Cause of death of Fernando Valenzuela
Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic Mexican baseball player, died on October 22, 2024 at the age of 63. The news was confirmed by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who expressed their deep regret over the loss of one of their most iconic players.
Although the team did not provide specific details about the cause of his death, it is known that Valenzuela had been dealing with health issues in the months leading up to his passing. This situation led him to retire from his work as a commentator, prioritizing his personal well-being.
Valenzuela’s departure has generated a wave of tributes on social media, where fans and colleagues have recorded his impact both on and off the field. His story, marked by his arrival in Los Angeles at the age of 19 and his rise to fame in the 1980s, continues to be a source of inspiration for many.