What Happened to Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea?
Fernando Valenzuela, nicknamed "El Toro," was a Mexican professional baseball pitcher who achieved iconic status with the Los Angeles Dodgers, sparking "Fernandomania" in 1981 by winning both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards and a World Series. After his playing career, he became a beloved Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers and was posthumously considered for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, following his passing in October 2024.
Quick Answer
Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Dodgers pitcher who ignited "Fernandomania" in 1981, passed away on October 22, 2024, at the age of 63 due to liver cancer. His iconic No. 34 jersey was retired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in August 2023, a testament to his immense cultural and sporting impact. Prior to his death, he served as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers from 2003 to 2024 and was a candidate for the 2026 National Baseball Hall of Fame Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot in December 2025, though he did not receive enough votes for induction.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Etchohuaquila, Mexico
Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea was born in a small village in Sonora, Mexico.
Signed by Los Angeles Dodgers
Valenzuela was discovered by Dodgers scout Mike Brito and signed by the organization.
MLB Debut with Dodgers
Valenzuela made his Major League Baseball debut as a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"Fernandomania" Ignites; Wins Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, World Series
Valenzuela became an overnight sensation, winning his first eight starts, earning both the NL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards, and helping the Dodgers win the World Series.
Six Consecutive All-Star Selections
Valenzuela was named an NL All-Star for six straight seasons, showcasing his consistent dominance.
Pitches No-Hitter
Valenzuela threw the first and only no-hitter of his career against the St. Louis Cardinals at Dodger Stadium.
Released by Dodgers
After 11 seasons, Valenzuela was released by the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to the 1991 season.
Last MLB Appearance
Valenzuela made his final Major League Baseball appearance with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Joins Dodgers Spanish-Language Broadcast Team
After retiring as a player, Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers organization as a Spanish-language radio and television broadcaster.
Mexican League Retires No. 34
The Mexican League honored Valenzuela by retiring his jersey number 34 across the entire league.
Dodgers Retire No. 34 Jersey
The Los Angeles Dodgers officially retired Fernando Valenzuela's iconic No. 34 jersey during a special "Fernandomania" weekend, making an exception to their usual Hall of Fame requirement.
Steps Away from Broadcasting Due to Health
Valenzuela announced he was stepping away from his Dodgers broadcasting duties for the remainder of the season to focus on his health.
Dies at Age 63
Fernando Valenzuela passed away in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 63, with his illness later reported as liver cancer.
Considered for Hall of Fame by Contemporary Baseball Era Committee
Valenzuela was a candidate on the 2026 National Baseball Hall of Fame Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot, but did not receive enough votes for induction.
Son Throws Ceremonial First Pitch at Dodgers-Mexico Exhibition
Fernando Valenzuela Jr. threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Spring Training exhibition game between the Dodgers and Team Mexico, honoring his late father's legacy.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Fernando Valenzuela's journey from a small Mexican village to international baseball stardom is a compelling narrative of talent, charisma, and cultural impact. Born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, Mexico, Valenzuela was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1979 and made his MLB debut in September 1980.
The phenomenon known as "Fernandomania" erupted in 1981 when the then 20-year-old left-hander unexpectedly became the Dodgers' Opening Day starter and proceeded to win his first eight starts, including five shutouts. His unique windup, skyward glance, and devastating screwball captivated fans, particularly within the Mexican-American community in Los Angeles and across North America. That strike-shortened season, Valenzuela made history by becoming the only player to win both the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year Award in the same season, while also leading the Dodgers to a World Series championship.
Valenzuela continued to be a dominant force for the Dodgers through the mid-1980s, earning six consecutive All-Star selections from 1981 to 1986 and winning a Gold Glove in 1986. He threw a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 29, 1990, a memorable highlight late in his Dodgers tenure. However, nagging shoulder problems led to his release by the Dodgers in 1991. He continued his playing career with several other MLB teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals, before retiring from MLB in 1997.
After his playing career, Valenzuela remained deeply involved in baseball. He joined the Dodgers' Spanish-language broadcast team in 2003, becoming a beloved voice for new generations of fans until 2024. He also served on the coaching staff for Mexico in multiple World Baseball Classics and, in 2017, led an ownership group that purchased the Quintana Roo Tigres of the Mexican League. In recognition of his profound impact, the Mexican League retired his No. 34 across the entire league in 2019. The Los Angeles Dodgers, breaking their tradition of only retiring numbers for Hall of Famers, officially retired Valenzuela's No. 34 on August 11, 2023, during a special "Fernandomania" weekend, acknowledging his unparalleled connection with the fanbase.
Fernando Valenzuela stepped away from his broadcasting duties in October 2024 to focus on his health and sadly passed away on October 22, 2024, at the age of 63, with his illness later reported as liver cancer. His funeral took place on November 6, 2024. His legacy continues to be celebrated, with his son, Fernando Valenzuela Jr., throwing out a ceremonial first pitch at a Dodgers-Mexico exhibition game in March 2026. Valenzuela was also a candidate for the 2026 National Baseball Hall of Fame Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot, which met in December 2025, but he did not receive the necessary votes for induction.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea made different choices?