Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary pitcher who sparked 'Fernandomania' in the 1980s and led the Dodgers to a World Series title in 1981, died from septic shock on October 22, 2024, at 63.

Valenzuela's passing marks the end of an era for baseball, as he not only achieved remarkable successes in his 17-year MLB career—including six All-Star selections and a Rookie of the Year award—but also became a cultural icon, deeply impacting the sport’s relationship with the Latino community. His legacy will be remembered through his championship contributions and longstanding influence as a broadcaster, while his death raises awareness of severe health issues that afflicted him in recent years.

Valenzuela's health had been a concern for some time prior to his death. He was reported to be battling multiple health issues, including decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis, and probable Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. These conditions greatly impacted his quality of life.

Born in Etchohauquila, Sonora, Mexico, Valenzuela joined the Dodgers in 1980, quickly establishing himself as one of the club's most formidable pitchers. His unique pitching style and charismatic personality captivated fans and helped launch 'Fernandomania,' a phenomenon that not only revolutionized baseball in Los Angeles but also inspired countless young athletes throughout the Latino community. Valenzuela's influence extended beyond the field as he became a role model for aspiring Mexican and Latino baseball players.

Throughout his career, Valenzuela recorded impressive statistics, winning 173 games and striking out 2,074 batters, all while maintaining a 3.54 earned run average. His performance during the 1981 season was particularly noteworthy, as he not only helped the Dodgers secure the World Series title but also earned both the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award, solidifying his place in baseball history.

After his playing days ended, Valenzuela continued to contribute to baseball as a broadcaster for the Dodgers for over two decades. His expertise and insights enriched the viewing experience for fans and helped bridge the language gap, as he comfortably navigated English and Spanish broadcasts. Valenzuela's passion for the game and his connection with the audience made him a beloved figure in MLB broadcasting.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressed profound sadness over Valenzuela's death, praising him for the significant impact he made on the game and the Latino community. Valenzuela's efforts not only advanced the sport's popularity among Latino fans but also opened doors for future generations of players, demonstrating the diverse fabric of Major League Baseball.

Cremation services were held following Valenzuela's death, and his remains were laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His passing serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by athletes even after their storied careers come to an end.

As baseball reflects on Valenzuela's contributions, the legacy he leaves behind is multifaceted. From his pivotal role in the Dodgers' history to his lasting influence as a broadcaster and cultural icon, Fernando Valenzuela will forever be remembered for his extraordinary abilities on the mound and his profound impact on the game. Valenzuela passed away on October 22, 2024, at the age of 63, due to septic shock, with underlying causes including decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis, and probable Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.