The baseball world is reeling from the tragic news that legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has died at the age of 63. According to his death certificate, the cause of Valenzuela’s passing on October 22 was septic shock, a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection leads to organ failure and dangerously low blood pressure.
Valenzuela’s death came as a shock to fans who had just seen him step away from his role as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers weeks earlier. Little did they know that the beloved star was battling serious health issues behind the scenes.
A Dodgers Icon and “Fernandomania” Sensation
Fernando Valenzuela burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old rookie with the Dodgers in 1981, captivating fans with his unique windup, devastating screwball, and humble personality. He quickly became a sensation, sparking the cultural phenomenon known as “Fernandomania.”
That magical season, Valenzuela won the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards, leading the Dodgers to their first World Series championship since 1965. His impact extended far beyond the diamond, as he became a source of pride for the Mexican-American community and helped bridge cultural gaps in Los Angeles.
A Stellar Career Cut Short
Although injuries eventually slowed him down, Valenzuela remained a highly effective pitcher throughout the 1980s. He was a six-time All-Star, won 21 games in 1986, and threw a no-hitter in 1990. However, his heavy workload early in his career likely contributed to the arm issues that led to his premature decline and retirement in 1997 at age 36.
Post-Playing Days and Health Challenges
After retiring as a player, Valenzuela remained involved with the Dodgers organization as a Spanish-language broadcaster. He was a beloved figure among the team’s Latino fan base and continued to be a visible presence at Dodger Stadium until his sudden departure in October 2024.
Unbeknownst to the public, Valenzuela had been dealing with significant health problems in the months leading up to his death. The death certificate obtained by TMZ reveals that in addition to the immediate cause of septic shock, Valenzuela had underlying issues of decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis, both serious liver diseases.
Even more concerning was the listed “probable” diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), a rare and devastating brain disorder that leads to rapid cognitive decline and death. CJD is an incurable prion disease that affects about one in a million people worldwide annually.
A Community in Mourning
As news of Valenzuela’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the baseball world and beyond. Fans, former teammates, and public figures alike shared their memories of the pitcher and the impact he had on their lives and the game of baseball.
“Fernando Valenzuela was more than just a great pitcher; he was a cultural icon and a source of immense pride for the Mexican-American community. His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of Dodgers fans and all those he inspired.”
– Statement from the Los Angeles Dodgers organization
The Dodgers held a public memorial service for Valenzuela at Dodger Stadium, where tens of thousands of fans came to pay their respects. The team also announced that they would retire his number 34 and erect a statue in his honor, ensuring that “El Toro” would forever be remembered as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
A Tragic Loss and Enduring Legacy
The untimely death of Fernando Valenzuela has left a void in the baseball world and beyond. His impact as a player, cultural icon, and beloved figure was immeasurable, and his loss is felt deeply by all those who admired him.
As fans mourn the passing of this legendary pitcher, they also celebrate the incredible legacy he leaves behind. Valenzuela’s skill, passion, and humility inspired a generation of players and fans, and his contributions to the game and the Los Angeles community will never be forgotten.
While the circumstances of his death are tragic and raise questions about the health challenges he faced, Fernando Valenzuela will always be remembered for the joy, excitement, and pride he brought to the baseball diamond. His legacy as a Dodgers icon and cultural hero will endure forever, a testament to the indelible mark he left on the sport and the hearts of fans around the world.
