RIP: Fernando Valenzuela (1960-2024)

[Dback Jon]

Dead at age 63

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[AzStevenCal]

Wow, far too soon. He was one of the more impactful players of his era. RIP

 

[SeattleCardinal]

Valenzuela’s magical 1981 season will always be remembered. Great career for the Dodgers and indeed highly impactful for all of baseball. RIP.

 

[DemsMyBoys]

A piece of my heart broke off today when I heard the news. He was something special. I well remember Fernandomania. Even we Angels fans went crazy over him and became Dodgers fans on the days he pitched.

May El Toro Rest In Peace. He was loved by millions and baseball seems a little more lonely today with ‘Nando gone.

 

[Ronin]

Dodgers announce Fernando Valenzuela tribute for World Series and 2025 season

Expect an emotional scene for Game 1 of the World Series as the baseball world celebrates the life and legacy of Fernando Valenzuela.

www.yardbarker.com

 

[Sparky16]

hmm, that's why his 30/30 was on yesterday

 

[Lorenzo]

does Valenzuela deserve to be in the HOF?

 

[Dback Jon]

That’s a good question
From a stat wise, probably not but for a contribution to the game, you could make a good argument

 

[AzStevenCal]

That’s a good question
From a stat wise, probably not but for a contribution to the game, you could make a good argument

Yeah, he was incredible for a short while but I'd put him in for his cultural impact.

 

[Bobster]

Fernando was basically Mark Fidrych with greater longevity. The Dodgers used up his arm and released him by the time he was 30.

He was exactly what the Dodgers needed to win over the Mexican-American fans - there was a lot of hard feeling for the way the city of LA used emminent domain and cleared out the neighborhoods in Chavez Ravine. The Dodgers weren't directly responsible for it, but they were the beneficiaries of it, so many of the Chicanos living in LA had a long memory and bore a grudge.

Fernandomania was something we got to experience secondhand here in Phoenix since the Dodgers games were broadcast on KTAR for years. After his brilliant start he was a dependable workhorse for the Dodgers, throwing 107 complete games for them (about every third start) and averaging about 35 starts a year in his prime.