At 63, Fernando Valenzuela Cause of Death Revealed , Funeral, Wife, Kids, Net Worth & Lifestyle

Summary

Fernando Valenzuela, a legendary Mexican-American pitcher known as 'El Toro,' had a remarkable MLB career from 1980 to 1997, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Rising to fame in the 1981 season, he became the first rookie to start Opening Day for the Dodgers, winning the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards. Valenzuela's unique screwball and charismatic personality transformed the Dodgers' fan base, significantly increasing Latino attendance. After retiring, he remained active in the community and became a U.S. citizen in 2015. Valenzuela passed away on October 22, 2024, from liver cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy in baseball.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fernando Valenzuela, nicknamed El Toro, was a prominent Mexican-American baseball pitcher who played in MLB from 1980 to 1997.
• 😀 Valenzuela was known for his unique windup and effective screwball, making him a standout pitcher during his career.
• 😀 He began his professional career in Mexico in 1977 before being signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979 for $120,000.
• 😀 Valenzuela had a remarkable rookie season in 1981, leading to a media phenomenon known as 'Fernando Mania'.
• 😀 Over his career, he was named an All-Star six times and won both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards.
• 😀 Valenzuela had a significant impact on the Dodgers, helping to attract a diverse fan base, particularly from the Latino community.
• 😀 After struggling in his later years, he was released by the Dodgers in 1991 and played for several teams before retiring in 1997.
• 😀 Valenzuela became a U.S. citizen in 2015 and served as an ambassador for citizenship and naturalization.
• 😀 He was honored with jersey retirements and had a lasting legacy, including his induction into the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.
• 😢 Valenzuela passed away on October 22, 2024, from liver cancer, leaving behind a significant legacy in baseball and the Latino community.

Q & A

What is Fernando Valenzuela known for in his baseball career?

Fernando Valenzuela is known for being a highly skilled pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB), particularly for his unique screwball pitch and unorthodox windup, which contributed to his success and the phenomenon known as 'Fernando Mania.'

When did Valenzuela make his MLB debut?

Valenzuela made his MLB debut in 1980 after being signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979.

How did Valenzuela's early life influence his career?

Valenzuela was born into a poor farming family in Mexico, which instilled in him a strong work ethic and resilience, shaping his determination to succeed in baseball.

What notable achievements did Valenzuela accomplish during his career?

Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star, won the Rookie of the Year award in 1981, and received a Gold Glove Award in 1987. He also had a career record of 173 wins and 153 losses with a 3.54 ERA.

What impact did Valenzuela have on the Los Angeles Dodgers' fanbase?

Valenzuela significantly transformed the Dodgers' fanbase, attracting a diverse group of fans, particularly among the Latino community, which accounted for 54% of fans by 2015.

What was Valenzuela's contribution to the sport after his playing career?

After retiring, Valenzuela worked as a radio and television commentator and served on Team Mexico's coaching staff for the World Baseball Classic, contributing his expertise to future generations.

What circumstances surrounded Valenzuela's decline in performance during his career?

Valenzuela's performance declined due to injuries and overuse, which ultimately led to his release from the Dodgers and challenges in finding a new team.

When did Valenzuela become a U.S. citizen, and what role did he take on after his naturalization?

Valenzuela became a U.S. citizen on July 22, 2015, and was appointed by President Obama as a special ambassador for citizenship and naturalization.

What led to Valenzuela's death, and when did it occur?

Valenzuela passed away from liver cancer on October 22, 2024, after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness shortly before his death.

What recognition did Valenzuela receive after his passing?

After his death, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced plans to honor Valenzuela with a uniform patch during the 2024 World Series and the 2025 season.