Fernando Valenzuela’s Impact on Dodgers—and Baseball—Is Indelible

Fernando Valenzuela, a Major League Baseball megastar during one of the darkest periods in the sport’s history and a Dodgers icon for decades after, has died at 63, leaving an enormous legacy on the cusp of one of the most-anticipated World Series ever. 

Valenzuela, the greatest-ever Mexican-born MLB star, captivated the baseball world, particularly in 1981 when he won the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards and a World Series title with the Dodgers. With a distinctive corkscrew pitching delivery and signature screwball, Valenzuela and his “Fernandomania” became a national phenomenon, and his starts were must-see events. 

His appeal was so great that the Dodgers generated a 7% per-game attendance increase during the 1981 season that was otherwise marred by a 50-day players’ strike—at that point the longest work stoppage in MLB history. That lift contrasted sharply against declines at the gate seen that year by 20 of the league’s 26 teams then as many fans around the country showed their displeasure with the labor dispute. Beyond just numbers though, the charismatic Valenzuela also became a beacon of hope for millions of Latinos and he helped make the Dodgers’ fan base one of the most ethnically diverse anywhere in sports.

Following a 17-year playing career in which Valenzuela won 173 games and made six All-Star teams, Valenzuela then shifted to a 22-season run as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers. He also served as an ambassador for the team, and up until his death remained one of the most beloved figures in Dodgers history—high praise for a franchise featuring an array of other luminaries.

“We profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers president and CEO. “He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”

A Different Vibe at Chavez Ravine

Valenzuela’s death arrived just three days before the high-profile Dodgers-Yankees World Series begins at the same Dodger Stadium where he starred more than four decades ago. That matchup, highlighted by the presence of megastars such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto, is driving ticket resale prices not seen since the Cubs’ historic championship run in 2016.

The former Dodgers ace will be honored during the Dodgers’ home games to start the World Series. Game 1 is on Friday and Game 2 will happen the next day. Specific commemorations are still being developed. 

“Fernando will always remain a beloved figure in Dodger history and a special source of pride for the millions of Latino fans he inspired,” said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. “We will honor Fernando’s memory during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium.”

Valenzuela is also the second major figure in MLB history from the 1970s and 1980s to pass away in recent weeks, following the death of Pete Rose.