Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela died on Tuesday, October 22, at the age of 63 — but his legacy will live on with sports fans for decades to come.
Valenzuela made a splash from the moment he stepped on the mound in 1981 for the Dodgers. He inspired “Fernandomania” due to his success — winning his first eight starts — eventually earning the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year Award.
He pitched for 17 seasons in the MLB and upon retirement became a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers in 2003. Valenzuela was also an icon in the Latino community in Los Angeles and around the U.S.
Following his death, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts vowed to do his best to lead the team to a World Series victory in honor of Valenzuela.
“In 2020 we lost Kobe Bryant. Then Anthony Davis led the Lakers to a championship,” Roberts wrote via X on Wednesday, October 23. “Yesterday we lost Fernando Valenzuela. Every man on the current Dodgers roster will lead us to the title. You can put it on record.” (The Dodgers face off against the New York Yankees in the first game of the 2024 World Series on Friday, October 25.)
Scroll down to see some of Valenzuela’s biggest fans — and how they paid tribute to the late player:
Magic Johnson
“Rest in peace to one of the greatest Dodgers ever, Fernando Valenzuela,” the former Los Angeles Lakers player and current co-owner of the Dodgers wrote via X on Wednesday. “He was one the most dominant pitchers that’s ever wore a Dodgers uniform and inspired ‘Fernandomania’ because of his incredible play! This is a big loss for Dodger nation and baseball fans all around the world. Cookie and I are praying for his wife and entire Valenzuela family 🙏🏾.”
Orel Hershiser
“He created love — love for the game, love for the team, love for everything,” the former Dodgers pitcher, who played alongside Valenzuela said during an appearance on SportsNet LA on Wednesday. “And he brought so much pride to the Latino community.”
Hershiser shared, “He had an amazing sense of humor. … We are so lucky to have had him.”
Nomar Garciaparra
“He meant a lot. We all know today is definitely a sad day,” the former Dodgers shortstop said during the SportsNet LA broadcast on Wednesday. “He had a major impact [on Latino fans and players]. … He was inspiring. He was inspiring to me to believe that you can accomplish your dream. And put on that Dodger uniform, which I was lucky enough to do.”
George Lopez
“The players change but the great ones never leave your heart! I’ll miss Fernando!” the actor wrote via X on Wednesday. “The impact he made, the excitement he created on the mound with the bat, you couldn’t take your eyes off him! Pos que hacemos así es la vida! Gracias Fernando.”
Dusty Baker
“We had a thing where I would speak Spanish, [and] he’d help me with my Spanish. I would have him speak English and help him with his English,” Valenzuela’s former Dodger teammate recalled during an appearance on SportsNetLA. “I would tell him he was a star because he was a star from the day he got there. … He was a fun-loving guy.”
Rich Eisen
“RIP to the great Fernando Valenzuela,” Eisen wrote via X, sharing a clip from the Wednesday broadcast of the Rich Eisen Show. During the episode, the journalist remembered Valenzuela’s start as a Dodger.
“What happened over the next six weeks is the stuff of legend. Stuff that you rarely see. Stuff that Dodger fans will never forget,” he recalled, noting all the shut-out games he pitched in his first season with L.A. “The run that created ‘Fernandomania’ is absolutely off the charts remarkable.”
Eisen called the late player “unbelievable,” saying Valenzuela is “is now chit-chatting with [Dodgers announcer] Vin Scully in the sky.”
Dave Roberts
“Rest in Peace Fernando,” the Dodgers manager tweeted on Tuesday. “We’ll win it just for you!!”
Mario Lopez
“63 is way too young … A piece of my childhood is gone,” Lopez wrote via X on Tuesday, sharing a photo alongside Valenzuela. “Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I’m a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. Growing up the youngest of 12 kids, he’s the only guy to ever win the Cy Young Award & Rookie Of The Year AND the World Series MVP all in the same year. All at 19 years old … And he could hit too! Won a couple of Silver Slugger Awards.”
He added: “Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend… Gracias por todo amigo. Descanse en paz #ElToro #Valenzuela #34 #RIP #Dodgers.”
Karen Bass
The mayor of Los Angeles shared a photo from Dodgers Stadium while paying tribute to the player on Tuesday. “Tonight, our City mourns a legend,” she wrote via social media. “To millions, Fernando Valenzuela was more than a baseball player. He was an icon that transcended the limits of hope and dreams. He was the voice of a game that we hold close in our hearts. His charisma was palpable, and his excellence was undeniable.”
Bass concluded, “He was a world champion — through and through. My thoughts are with @Dodgers fans everywhere as we mark the loss of a great Angeleno. Gracias, Fernando.”
Jessica Mendoza
“My heart is so broken,” the Olympic softball gold and silver medalist tweeted. “An absolute legend and was one of the many reasons I fell in love with Dodger baseball 💔🥹#Fernandomaniaforever @Dodgers @SportsNetLA.”
Richard Roeper
“For all the shutouts, Fernando Valenzuela’s most impressive performance might have been Game 3 of the 1981 World Series, when he gave up 9 hits and 7 walks as he gutted out a 147-pitch complete game victory. Pure heart. RIP to a legend,” Roeper tweeted alongside a clip from that epic game.
Danny Trejo
One day before his death, when Valenzuela was sick, Trejo sent him love via X. “God bless Fernando Valenzuela,” the actor and longtime Dodgers fan wrote on Monday, October 21.
