Dodger fans and baseball enthusiasts recently wondered, “Where Is Fernando Valenzuela Now?” after news broke of his sudden departure from the Los Angeles Dodgers Spanish-language broadcast booth. The beloved former pitcher, affectionately known as “El Toro,” has stepped away from his broadcasting duties for the remainder of the 2024 season to focus on his health. This news, confirmed by the Dodgers on Wednesday, October 2nd, has prompted an outpouring of support and concern for the 63-year-old icon.
According to an official statement from the Dodgers, Valenzuela decided to prioritize his health and will not be returning to the broadcast booth for the rest of the current season. The team stated, “Fernando Valenzuela has stepped away from the Dodger broadcast booth for the remainder of this year to focus on his health. He and his family truly appreciate the love and support of fans as he aims to return for the 2025 season, and they have asked for privacy during this time.” Reports surfaced earlier that Valenzuela had left a broadcast on September 24th during a series against the San Diego Padres and was subsequently hospitalized, though specific details regarding his health issue have not been publicly disclosed, respecting his and his family’s request for privacy.
While the immediate concern revolves around Valenzuela’s health and current whereabouts as he focuses on recovery, this moment also serves as a poignant reminder of his extraordinary career and lasting impact on baseball, particularly for the Dodgers and their fans. Fernando Valenzuela isn’t just a name in baseball history; he’s a cultural phenomenon.
His arrival in Los Angeles in 1980 was nothing short of sensational. After a brief but impressive stint in September 1980, where he pitched 10 relief appearances with a 2-0 record and a 0.00 ERA, Valenzuela exploded onto the scene in 1981. “Fernandomania” was born as he won his first eight starts of the 1981 season, five of which were shutouts. That year, he achieved an unprecedented feat, becoming the only player in Major League Baseball history to win both the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season. This remarkable achievement cemented his place as a baseball superstar and captured the hearts of fans across the nation, particularly Mexican-Americans who flocked to Dodger Stadium and ballparks across the country to witness his magic on the mound.
Image: Fernando Valenzuela in his iconic pitching stance during the peak of Fernandomania, showcasing his windup and focused gaze.
Valenzuela’s impact extended beyond individual accolades. He was a crucial part of two Dodgers World Series championship teams, in 1981 against the New York Yankees and again in 1988 against the Oakland A’s. His presence on the mound brought a unique excitement and energy to the game, and his success inspired a generation of baseball fans.
Throughout his 17-season MLB career, Fernando Valenzuela compiled a 173-153 record with a solid 3.54 ERA. He pitched in 453 games, starting an impressive 424 of them, showcasing his durability and reliability as a starting pitcher. While he is most famously associated with the Dodgers, after leaving Los Angeles following the 1990 season, he continued to pitch for several other teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals, demonstrating his enduring love for the game.
The Dodgers have rightfully honored Valenzuela’s legendary status by retiring his jersey number 34, placing it among only 12 numbers retired by the franchise, a testament to his profound contribution to the team’s history. In August 2023, the Dodgers further celebrated his legacy with a three-day “Fernandomania” weekend and inducted him into the Dodgers Ring of Honor, solidifying his place as the 14th member of this elite group.
Looking back at his Cy Young Award-winning 1981 season, Valenzuela led the National League in numerous pitching categories, including strikeouts, shutouts, complete games, innings pitched, and starts. In 1986, he again demonstrated his dominance, leading the National League in wins with a 21-11 record and a 3.14 ERA, along with leading the league in complete games and achieving three shutouts. A career highlight came on June 29, 1990, when Valenzuela pitched a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals, a feat made even more remarkable as it occurred on the same day Dave Stewart of the Oakland A’s also threw a no-hitter. This was the only no-hitter of Valenzuela’s career, and it was punctuated by Vin Scully’s unforgettable radio call, “If you have a sombrero, throw it to the sky!”
A six-time All-Star, Fernando Valenzuela spent 11 seasons with the Dodgers, amassing a 141-116 record with a 3.31 ERA. After retiring from playing in 1997, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, spending 21 seasons as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers, most recently alongside Pepe Yniguez and Jose Mota. This continued connection with the Dodgers and their fanbase underscores his enduring popularity and the deep respect he commands.
As Fernando Valenzuela focuses on his health, the baseball world unites in sending well wishes and hoping for a swift recovery. While fans may be wondering “where is Fernando Valenzuela now” in the immediate sense, it’s clear that his legacy remains firmly cemented in baseball history and in the hearts of Dodgers fans everywhere. The anticipation for his return to the broadcast booth in 2025 is already building, a testament to the lasting impact of “Fernandomania” and the enduring appeal of El Toro.
