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Legendary MLB Pitcher Passes Away At 63

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Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary left-handed L.A. Dodgers pitcher who opened the gates for generations of Mexican baseball players to make their way into the MLB, passed away on October 22nd, the Daily Caller reports. He was 63.

News of Valenzuela’s death was confirmed by the team which said in a statement that the Etchohuaquila native died in a Los Angeles area hospital, but did not provide further details. On X, the league’s account paid tribute to Valenzuela, a standout rookie during his 1981 debut who went on to achieve six All-Star appearances. “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela. ‘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,” the MLB wrote.

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“Valenzuela pitched 17 Major League seasons, was a 6-time All-Star, and has the most wins (173) and strikeouts (2,074) of any Mexican-born pitcher. He spent the last 22 years as a Spanish language broadcaster for the Dodgers, who retired his No. 34 in 2023.” The pitcher’s last public statement came while serving as a broadcaster on September 24th as his beloved Dodgers played the San Diego Padres. TMZ reported he abruptly left the mic and did not return in what appeared to be a serious medical situation.

Born November 1st, 1960, Valenzuela died just shy of his 64th birthday and after having left an indelible impression on the world of American baseball. Over 17 seasons, he accomplished an earned run average of 3.54 and 41.5 career wins above replacement, the highest of any Mexican-born MLB player, according to the MLB’s statistical database. His unorthodox windup and trademark screwball confounded countless batters and contributed to the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series championship. He made history as the first rookie to win both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award.

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Valenzuela’s death comes shortly after his longtime team qualified for this year’s World Series tournament and prompted fellow baseball legends to express their condolences to his family. On X, Fox Sports shared clips from the pitcher’s famous 1990 no-hitter as covered by broadcaster Vin Scully. The two later reunited on the field to reenact the famous victory over the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.

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A devoted family man, Valenzuela is survived by his wife Linda and four children, Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda and Maria Fernanda, as well as seven grandchildren, TMZ reported.

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