Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic left-handed pitcher who ignited “Fernandomania” during his breakout rookie season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981, has died at the age of 63.
Valenzuela’s rise to stardom was nothing short of remarkable. After a brief stint with the Dodgers in 1980, he took the baseball world by storm in 1981. Thrust into the spotlight as the team’s Opening Day starter due to injuries, Valenzuela delivered a complete game shutout against the Houston Astros, marking the beginning of an unforgettable rookie campaign. Over his first eight starts, he posted four shutouts, threw two complete games, and allowed just one run in the only game he didn’t finish.
Valenzuela’s success on the mound, combined with his distinctive screwball and unique delivery—where he appeared to glance skyward before throwing—captivated fans across the nation. His games drew huge crowds, both at home and on the road, in a phenomenon soon known as “Fernandomania.”
Despite the midseason players’ strike, which temporarily halted his momentum, Valenzuela finished the 1981 season with a stellar 13-7 record. He led the league in innings pitched (192.1 in just 110 games), tossed 11 complete games and 8 shutouts, and struck out 180 batters. His dominance earned him the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award, making him the first player in MLB history to win both in the same season. He also finished fifth in MVP voting and claimed a Silver Slugger award.
Valenzuela’s 1981 season concluded in triumph, as he led the Dodgers to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees, securing his place as one of baseball’s greats. He started five postseason games, including a key Game 3 win in the World Series.
Valenzuela’s success continued for the next several years, with the lefty being named to six straight All-Star teams from 1981 to 1986. He remained a Cy Young contender, finishing in the top five three more times. Unfortunately, arm issues derailed his career after 1987, limiting his appearances in the early 1990s.
Despite these challenges, Valenzuela made a comeback in 1993 and played for several teams, including the Orioles,
