[ad_1]
LOS ANGELES — In a twist that even baseball could not have scripted, the beloved Fernando Valenzuela—yes, the one who sparked “Fernandomania” and made wearing a sombrero in the stands totally acceptable—has decided to take his final stroll off the pitching mound. He passed away at the tender age of 63, following what we can only hope was a bafflingly extraordinary, if vaguely explained, hospital visit.
As if the Dodgers weren’t already gearing up for a World Series showdown against the New York Yankees—because who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashioned rivalry, especially one that comes with its own drama—news of Valenzuela’s death sent waves of nostalgia (and goosebumps!) through baseball fandom. The Dodgers announced they’d be honoring their star during the series, because let’s face it, what better time to remember baseball legends than during a fight for supremacy on the diamond?
Previously, Valenzuela had mysteriously departed from his gig as a Spanish-language color commentator in September, leaving fans to wonder if he’d joined a secret society of ex-Dodgers who just spend their days conjuring memories of glory and solving the world’s problems one beaner at a time. It’s rumored he was in the hospital earlier this month, but we’re still waiting for answers like fans waiting for the Dodgers to actually win a postseason game without drama.
Before we start commemorating his wild 80s journey that never officially landed him in Cooperstown (yes, he was overshadowed by the likes of Hall of Famers; blame it on the mustache), let’s remember how he captivated the crowds. With a pitching style that rattled bats and a persona that filled stadiums, Valenzuela struck fear into the hearts of opponents and managed to charm the socks off fans. He held court in the press box dining room before games—you’d think he was a Kardashian, but no, just an icon in the flesh.
Dodger’s honcho, Stan Kasten, waxed poetic: “He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever,” because throwing a ball and looking up at the sky while doing so really does make you a deity in Los Angeles. You’d think this was just a baseball game, but this was a baptism by ‘Fernandomania.’
In the awe-inspiring year of 1981, when everyone was still trying to process disco, Valenzuela threw himself into history as the first player to snag both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season—because who doesn’t love an overachiever? He kicked off the season with an 8-0 streak while sporting an ERA so low that even mathematicians are baffled. And yes, the ABBA hit “Fernando” really did echo through the stadium as he warmed up, providing the soundtrack to what could only be described as a massive love affair between a pitcher and an entire city.
Remember that famous no-hitter? On June 29, 1990, against the Cardinals, he booed away any form of anger as Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully gleefully exclaimed, “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!” A moment so glorious it almost brought a tear to our eye; almost.
Let’s not forget his early days—he spoke little English, hence a rookie catcher named Mike Scioscia took it upon himself to learn Spanish, proving that communication is key, especially in the world of baseball, or at least when dodging your rookie’s errant pitches.
Despite his numerous accolades, Valenzuela’s career took a downturn thanks to some pesky shoulder injuries, leading to a messy breakup with the Dodgers just before the 1991 season, despite their on-again, off-again relationship with his jersey number—now proudly retired. And oh, the irony of being part of a legendary franchise yet not making the Hall of Fame just because they didn’t feel like it!
But Valenzuela wasn’t just a pitcher—he had a life beyond the diamond. He took his talents to World Baseball Classics, where he undoubtedly dazzled fans with memories of his stellar career, while also serving as a part-owner of the Mexican League team Tigres de Quintana Roo. That’s right, while he could have been whittling away in retirement, he decided to dive back into the game that made him a star because why not stir the pot twice?
As we bid adieu to this baseball titan, we doff our caps, tip our sombreros, and remember that in the ridiculous world of sports, even legends take their bow eventually. Here’s to Fernando Valenzuela: the man, the myth, the legend, and for many, a reminder that life is indeed a game and sometimes hits you harder than a fastball to the noggin.
Source
