MLB
Fernando ‘Toro’ Valenzuela, Los Angeles Dodgers star, dies at 63
The greatest Mexican pitcher to throw in Major League Baseball has passed away in Los Angeles after spending several weeks in intensive care.
Fernando Valenzuela, the great Mexican baseball legend, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, in a hospital in Los Angeles, California.
These numbers earned him the CY Young
The legendary ‘Toro’ Valenzuela had been admitted to hospital for liver complications and his death has been confirmed at the age of 63.
During his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he excelled right from his debut in 1980. In just one year (1981), he was named Rookie of the Year and Cy Young of the National League. He had an outstanding season with a record of 13-7 and an ERA of 2.48.
He led the league in starts with 26, complete games with 11, and recorded 8 shutouts. Additionally, he led the California team to win the World Series in 1981 against the New York Yankees.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela,” reads the press release by the MLB.
The Dodgers retired his iconic number 34
The MLB press release further says: ““Fernandomania” swept through baseball in 1981 when the 20-year-old rookie sensation began the season 8-0 with a 0.50 ERA. The lefthander capped off his incredible year by winning both the NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards while helping lead Los Angeles to a World Series title."
Valenzuela pitched for 17 seasons in the MLB, was a six-time All-Star, and has the most wins with 173 and 2,074 strikeouts of any Mexican-born pitcher.
For 22 years, he dedicated himself to serving as the Spanish-language announcer for Dodgers games.
In recognition of his contribution, the Dodgers retired his famous number 34.