Shortly before the start of the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers mourn one of their greatest players: Mexican pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, one of the most popular figures in baseball, died on Tuesday at the age of 63. The MLB franchise announced this. A cause of death was not given.
Valenzuela played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball for six clubs. He is best remembered for his time with the Dodgers – particularly for his role on the 1981 team that defeated the New York Yankees in the World Series and secured one of seven MLB triumphs in franchise history.
“On behalf of the Dodgers organization, we deeply mourn the passing of Fernando,” said Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten. “He is one of the most influential Dodgers of all time and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes.”
The death shocked the Dodgers shortly before the start of this year’s World Series against the Yankees – the first meeting between the two teams in the final of the US professional leagues since the one with Valenzuela 43 years ago. The showdown with Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani begins on Saturday night with game one in Los Angeles. “We will honor Fernando’s memory during the 2024 World Series at Dodger Stadium,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
