Sports Then and Now

The world of baseball mourns the loss of Fernando Valenzuela, one of the sport’s most iconic figures, who passed away on October 22, 2024 at the age of 63. Valenzuela’s impact on baseball extended far beyond the pitcher’s mound, as he became a symbol of hope, pride, and cultural unity for millions. His unique pitching style, calm demeanor, and ability to deliver in big moments made him a fan favorite and a beloved figure in the Los Angeles community. Valenzuela’s career is one that epitomized greatness and resilience, as he rose from humble beginnings in Mexico to become one of Major League Baseball’s most unforgettable stars.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom

Fernando Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, a small village in the Mexican state of Sonora. Growing up in a family of farmers, Valenzuela’s love for baseball was evident from a young age. He played for local teams and developed a remarkable ability to throw a screwball, a pitch that would later become his signature weapon.

In 1979, at the age of 18, Valenzuela signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly made a name for himself in the minors. His dominance in the Mexican League and his performances with the Dodgers’ minor league affiliates caught the attention of team executives, and he was called up to the Major Leagues in late 1980.

Valenzuela’s arrival in Major League Baseball came at a critical time for the Dodgers, who were in need of a spark to propel them toward postseason success. Although he made only a handful of appearances late in the 1980 season, he was on the brink of something special.

The Birth of “Fernandomania”

Valenzuela’s official rookie season in 1981 would go down in baseball history as one of the most captivating and unprecedented stretches of performance by any player. In what came to be known as “Fernandomania,” Valenzuela captured the hearts of fans across the nation with his dazzling performances on the mound, his charismatic personality, and his unique pitching delivery, which involved looking toward the sky just before releasing the ball.

The 1981 season began with Valenzuela thrust into the starting rotation after an injury to Dodgers ace Jerry Reuss. In his very first start on Opening Day, Valenzuela threw a complete-game shutout against the Houston Astros. This was just the beginning of an incredible run: Valenzuela started his rookie season by winning his first eight starts, all complete games, with an astonishing five shutouts. His dominant pitching combined with his humble demeanor created a media frenzy, and fans flocked to stadiums to watch him pitch. “Fernandomania” spread like wildfire, not just in Los Angeles but throughout the country and especially in Latin America, where Valenzuela became a source of immense pride.

Valenzuela’s impact on the field was undeniable. He finished the strike shortened 1981 season with a 13-7 record, a 2.48 ERA, and 180 strikeouts, earning both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award—an unprecedented feat. He was also instrumental in leading the Dodgers to the World Series title in 1981, where they defeated the New York Yankees in six games. Valenzuela’s performance in the postseason, including a critical complete-game victory in Game 3 of the World Series, further cemented his status as a star.