Fernando "El Toro" Valenzuela has Passed Away at The Age of 63
The baseball world is mourning the loss of Fernando "Toro" Valenzuela, who passed away at 63 after a tough battle with health issues that had affected him in recent weeks. The Los Angeles Dodgers, the team where he became a global icon, announced the sad news through their social media, shocking fans and sports lovers everywhere. Valenzuela’s legacy as one of the most important figures in Major League Baseball (MLB) will forever be etched in the history of both Mexican and world baseball.
Born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico, Valenzuela started his career in Mexico’s minor leagues before making his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1980. His breakout year came in 1981 when he won both Rookie of the Year and the prestigious Cy Young Award, the only player in history to achieve both in the same season. With the legendary "Fernandomania," Valenzuela not only won over fans but also boosted the popularity of baseball in the Latino community across the United States.
Throughout his career, Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star and racked up over 2,000 strikeouts, playing a crucial role in the Dodgers’ 1981 World Series title. His journey didn’t stop in L.A., as he also played for teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals, among others.
After retiring in 1997, Valenzuela stayed close to the sport, working as a commentator and ambassador for baseball. In 2023, the Dodgers paid him a special tribute by retiring his iconic number 34, cementing his status as one of the team’s and the sport’s greatest legends. His passing leaves a huge void, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of baseball players.
