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Fernando Valenzuela
1960 - 2024
Fernando Valenzuela
1960 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1960
DIED
2024
Fernando Valenzuela Obituary
Fernando Valenzuela was a Mexican-born Major League Baseball pitcher best known for his time with the L.A. Dodgers, during which he won a Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in the same year, sparking "Fernandomania."
We invite you to share condolences for Fernando Valenzuela in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: George Rose/Getty Images)
65 Entries
Marilyn Klasson
November 6, 2024
I was there the day Fernando pitch Opening Day. He was a wonderful pitcher for the Dodgers and a great announcer for Hispanic radio. Rest in Peace my friend!!!
Anthony Vega
November 6, 2024
When someone like Fernando Valenzuela dies, it´s in our nature to contextualize their lives.
You can start with the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season, in which he won a World Series title as well.
You can bring up his unbelievable no-hitter in 1990, a seemingly impossible feat following years of injuries.
But what Fernando Valenzuela did for the Dodgers and the city of Los Angeles goes far beyond anything he did on the baseball field.
"Fernando was your classic LA story, an immigrant who comes from very little goes to one of the great cities of the world," "There had been Mexican-American baseball players before, there had been Latino superstars before, but Fernando was the best of the best. That `Fernandomania´ year, 1981, Latinos were seeing themselves." I know I will see the a Statue of Fernando Valenzuela in front of the Dodgers very soon because he deserved it. May you rest in peace EL TORO #34 , love you always Anthony Vega aka Ren La'mour .
Britt Mindes
November 6, 2024
My condolences to the Valenzuela family. Viva El Toro!! #34 Forever!
Amanda Sarabia
November 6, 2024
My condolences to the entire Valenzuela family. Thank you for sharing him with the fans and the Los Angeles community. He is the reason I love the game of baseball. Descanse en Paz Doñ Fernando #34
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Elsa Avitia
November 5, 2024
My condolences to the Valenzuela family. You were my #1 player since I was a little girl. You will forever be in our hearts . Thank you for giving your fans such beautiful memories.
I remember my dad taking us to see you play. Beautiful childhood memories with my cousins as well at the games. Rest In Paradise "Toro"
Ruben Hernandez
November 5, 2024
In 1981 l told my lady Virginia if the Dodgers won the World Series l would merry her. Thanks to Fernando they did, so on Nov 27th l did. Our marriage ended when she passed on Sept. 27, 2019.
The Rev. Charley Lopez
November 5, 2024
Rest in God's eternal light, peace, and grace +
The Rev. Charley Lopez, Jr
Rosary Velasquez
November 5, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela is why i fell in love with baseball and the Dodgers. Just a young 10-year-old girl who could have cared less about baseball, sat down with her daddy and was mesmerized by his pitching, his gaze up to the heavens, and all the times he won. Most of all, he looked like my Nino. The dark hair, the brown skin, and the charisma he had. He was such a presence. He will be missed. I know he looks over us now. He is just on the other side of the vail. God Bless, Fernando. Thank you for all the beautiful memories you gave me and my family. Rest in Peace. <3
Daniel Reyes
November 5, 2024
One of my memories of Fernando was to see him pitch at a Dodger home game in 1982 and in 1989. I was able to see him participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1983 aboard the Mexico float and in 2008 aboard the Dodgers 50th anniversary in Los Angeles float. I learned so much about Fernando, starting with his pitching that continued until the 1997 season and in 2003, he moved to the broadcast booth, where he worked for 22 seasons. My heart is heavy for his loss and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Richard Walker
November 5, 2024
Rest in peace Fernando and my God comfort your family.
jose bernal
November 4, 2024
fernandomenia
Elizabeth Galaviz
November 3, 2024
Some of my earliest memories were of me and my dad watching Fernando on tv with each Dodger game. My dad would tell me the importance of having people like Fernando Valenzuela represent Mexicanos in this country. Our hearts are heavy for your loss and we are praying for comfort during this difficult time
Everardo Vudales
November 3, 2024
Que dios lo tenga en su santa gloria
Sylvia Trinidad
November 2, 2024
Fernando you were a blessing and inspiration to all mexicanos. May you rest in peace. Condolences to your family and loved ones.
Ronwehunt
November 2, 2024
Back in 1988 my grandmother told me about him she was a big dodger fan , so I watch him on TV, when I got into baseball now I'm a dodger fan
Josie zambrano
November 2, 2024
My dad always took me to see the games and that´s how I became a fan! And I value them memories because it included my father. Thank you for the memories! Fernandomania forever.
Legends never die!!
Manuel Alfaro
November 1, 2024
He´s the reason why I love the Dodgers at age 11 I was by myself watching on TV because my Uncle Danilo insisted on watching a very special player. Since then I never looked back and I want to Thank Fernando for his talent, his heart and I´m pretty sure he´s enjoying this Championship along side with Tommy ( Which I knew him in a former hotel at the lobby) in Heaven. El Toro, Gracias
Cheri McKenny
November 1, 2024
Maria Herrera
November 1, 2024
My condolences to the Valenzuela family. You were my #1 player since in was a little girl. You will be forever in our hearts . Thank you for giving your fans such beautiful memories. The Dodgers Won for our Valenzuela #34 !!
Barbara Rivera
October 31, 2024
My sincere condolences to he´s family at this difficult time praying for each of them for strength during this time. May he rest in gods holy arms rest in peace Fernando
Mimi Quesada
October 31, 2024
He will forever be in our hearts.
Thank you for all the magic Fernando.
TiTi Alvarez Ancira
October 31, 2024
Fernando fuiste el más grande de los Dodgers que nos representó a los mexicanos, y nunca te vamos a olvidar, abrazo a tu familia, descansa en paz!!!!
Gilda Griego
October 31, 2024
In 1981 I was a young 19 year old girl that knew nothing about baseball thanks to Fernando i development a love affair with the Dodgers and baseball and for that I will always be thankful to you Fernando. Now you are in the Real Blue Haven
Darla Gutierrez
October 30, 2024
Just what to say to the family that he was the best of best
Sorry that I never got to met him but every time they played I was watching on TV we will miss a great baseball player and never forget him
Darla
Anthony Jacques
October 30, 2024
Grew up in silver lake California 10 minutes from the dodger stadium used to listen to the dodger games on the radio with my dad loved them good old times I still have pictures when he went to my elementary school I'm 53 now it was sad to see him go let's get this championship for Fernando #34 R.I.P LETS GO DODGERS!!!
Oluremilekun olagbemi
October 30, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela will always be remembered as a man of great athletic prowess. May your soul rest in peace.
Yewande Olagbemi
Fred Velez
October 30, 2024
Condolences to the Valenzuela family
Rev/Fr Protodeacon George Haloulakos
October 30, 2024
A star on the baseball diamond and in the radio broadcast booth, Fernando Valenzuela made a positive difference for generations of fans. Mr. Valenzuela was a transformative player for two franchises (Dodgers 1981-1991 and Padres in 1995-1996) while expanding the international appeal of baseball concurrent with altering our nation's cultural and sporting landscapes. May he rest in peace and may all of his loved ones find comfort in knowing how deserving he truly is of "Well done, My good and faithful servant."
With Appreciation and Respect,
Rev/Fr Protodeacon George Haloulakos
Celia Gamez
October 29, 2024
I fell in love with baseball because of Fernando. My fathers took us to the Dodger game, I was taken back by his performance. Day I will I never forget my time with my Family and Fernando´s love of baseball. My deepest condolences for loss of a wonderful Dodger. Rest in peace.
C Gamez
Hector Aguirre
October 29, 2024
Fernando, being a country man, and not only that but for his example and passion he demonstrated on what he did and the way he sculptured his person while in a different country and culture, show us, Mexicans, the right trail to follow...
Sandra Hernandez
October 29, 2024
You were truly an amazing player person. You will truly be missed by many my condolences to your family.
Familia chaidez
October 29, 2024
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Suzy B
October 29, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Frances Martin
October 29, 2024
When my daughter was a sophomore Cheerleader at St. Francis Highschool we saw Mr. Valenzuela at a home game watching his son play ball. He was on the side of the bleachers keeping a low profile and clapping when his son carried the ball. He caught me staring and I waived and he waived back...a beautiful person at heart and a wonderful dad. Deepest sorrow to his family.
David Gallardo
October 28, 2024
My daughter and I followed Fernando all day at the Bob hope golf classic. Later in the parking lot Fernando pulled up to us in his vehicle and thank us for supporting him he went back to his vehicle and got a photo of him and signed it for my daughter. You are a hero to us .
Cat DuVall
October 28, 2024
I will always remember his magnificent pitching, power and passion for all he did. My deep condolences are for his family and loved ones. For what this fantastic man gave to baseball, everyone he loved---he should already be in baseball`s Hall of fame. He contributed a LOT MORE than just pitching
October 28, 2024
Sending our deepest condolences to the Valenzuela Family. May he rest in peace #34
From the Escobar Family
Solvang,Ca
Flor Fuentes (Fan)
October 28, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Valenzuela Family. I lived a few blocks from the Dodger stadium and I would always see the traffic going to see the Dodgers. My Dad took me to see Fernando pitch. We were all proud of the Toro. You made all of us proud of our in heritage. May you rest in Paradise. Prayers for your family
Steven Sandoval
October 28, 2024
Fernando made us proud! A great loss and sadness now
Mario Rocha Barragan
October 27, 2024
As a 5-year-old growing up in the East LA/Boyle Heights area, there wasn't anything bigger in 1981 than the Fernando Valenzula Buzz, that was my 1st memory of his mention. Descanse en Paz "EL Gran TORO!"
Lupe Correa
October 27, 2024
Mi mas sincero pesame. Fernando es una leyenda. Fue un gran jugador y un gran ser humano que siempre vivira en nuestro corazon. El es un orgullo mexicano.
Que Dios bendiga a su familiaL
MOverholt
October 27, 2024
Fernando was a wonderful player I saw pitch many times. Deepest sympathy to his family
Nora morales
October 27, 2024
My sincere condolences to the Valenzuela family. I know this is a very sad and difficult time and my prayer is that God will be with you all as you grieve. He is now resting in peace and reunited with his loved one who have gone before him.
Fernando signed these pics at his press conference in El Paso at the Camino Real Hotel, where Pancho Villa used to also frequent.
VICTOR RAMOS JR.
October 27, 2024
I remember my dad taking me to see Fernando as a kid at a press conference in the Camino Real hotel in downtown El Paso. Unfortunately, I didn't get to shake his hand, but dad & I talked with his agent Tony De Marco & got two 8x10 black & white autographed photos of him.
OH! I forgot, we did talk with Fernando. He dedicated AND signed a Coca Cola poster of him to our family. It started of " Para Familia Ramos..."
I still regret trading an autographed card he sent me as a kid after I wrote to him at his fan mail address.
Rest in Peace, Fernando. I'll never forget being one of the many with Fernando Mania...
Raul Montes
October 27, 2024
My deepest sincerest condolences to Fernando Valenzuela’s family. He will be missed greatly and always be a legacy in MLB baseball . I hope he is inducted into the hall of fame. RIP! We love you Fernando!
Sincerely, Raul Montes, Jr.
Elvira Becerra
October 26, 2024
My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. Blessings to the family.
Paul Carney
October 26, 2024
Fernando you should be in the baseball hall of fame what you did for the Mexican community is wonderful may you rest in peace the world lost a friend
Sylvia Rosalez
October 25, 2024
My deepest condolences to the Valenzuela family. RIP Fernando. Say hi to Vince and Tommy for me. You will be greatly missed
Luis Carlos Gonzalez
October 25, 2024
I was 15 yrs old in 1981 when Dodgers won the WS. Following year in 82, I was 16 and was sitting in the left field bleachers with my dad. I made my way down under the bleachers to the batting cage area, Which was locked bu had a gap in the gate, Fernando was in the cage batting practice, I called him over to the gate and he came, I asked him to please sign a ball I had, he smiled and took the ball and signed it, I still have the ball, It was signed FDO in cursive. The ball was a plastic cover and the pin was a Markie sort of pen, So throughout years the signature has faded somewhat, But can still be seen. Thanks for all the good times. RIP
Jim Brickle
October 25, 2024
Thank you for all the memories Fernando, You will always be my favorite Dodger. Rest in Peace El Toro.
Debra Valenzuela
October 25, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela was a huge sensation when he played baseball in San Antonio, Texas. He always made the front headlines of the sport section of our local newspapers. He was loved by the San Antonians. My only regret is not seeing him play in San Antonio. I knew he was destined to have a great career in baseball and he did. Rest in peace Fernando. My heartfelt condolences to his family. He will always be in our hearts.
Tim Bulick
October 24, 2024
He was a pitcher like no other, watching home pitch when I was 10 years old and loved every throw. He was my guy and been a fan ever since. Prayers to the family and know he brought joy to everyone.
Manuel S. Franco
October 24, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela is from now on in Better Hands....El Todo Poderoso te esta esperando con los brazos abiertos .....An enormous Human Being not just on the playing field, but in the community that followed him through his life, He brought PRIDE to our hearts as Latinos .....And when we say "Si se puede", Fernando said "SI SE PUDO"....Que mi DIOS te tenga en SU SANTA GLORIA, for all the ETERNITY......You will be enjoying the World Series First Game,from Heaven tomorrow at Dodger Stadium, I also came from the desert , Coyame, Chihuahua, MX
And you came from Etchohuaquila, Sonora, MX.........Rest in Peace, mi TORO....Te llevo en mi corazon de Mexicano.......
Manuel S. Franco "Benedeto"
Heidi A Dietrich
October 24, 2024
I was thirteen years old when Fernando was pitching for the Dodgers and I LOVED him. I sat down in my dining room and wrote him a letter out of a Spanish dictionary I had. I'll never forget the day I got something back in the mail. I was volunteering at the local hospital and a non verbal patient said hi to me when I went to feed her so I was already in a good mood and when I called for a ride home, my baby sister Pam yelled "You got a letter from Fernando Valenzuela!". I floated home. I opened it up and put it in a scrapbook. To Fernando's family. You have my deepest condolences. I will pray for you. A friend recently told me that the price of love is grief. I lost my mother in 2007 and I made a promise to be there for others who go through a loss. Please know that I understand your pain and although I don't know you and although I am not with you, I'm wrapping my arms around you in prayer.
David Molloy
October 24, 2024
To the Valenzuela Family,
Please accept my condolences on the passing of Fernando. Fernando was a great competitor, and well respected in the community.
My best to all of you
David M Molloy
Troy, Néw York
CA
October 24, 2024
Wonderful beloved character, and a man who really knew how to pitch. He delighted and enchanted the baseball fandom, especially in Southern California, and his presence created a spike in popularity for the game. It was a privilege to watch him in action, and for me there were particularly memorable experiences when I saw him perform in person at Dodger Stadium and Candlestick Park.
A one of a kind great player, and man. Sadly, gone much too soon.
Michael John Snyder
October 24, 2024
My wife and I saw you pitch in the third game against the Yankees Fernando. 1981, 43 years ago. You were incredible. You had a gift from God himself. Thank you for some wonderful memories. One of the greatest Dodgers of all time. RIP my brother. You are immortal
Manny Chimal
October 23, 2024
My fellow & well loved sonoraguense! The joy you brought to Dodger fans to me was unmeasurable. Que descanse en paz hasta La resurreccion Lo siento mucho familia Valenzuela!
Elizabeth Bell
October 23, 2024
RIP Fernando
Barbara D Williams Pearl E Williams Garyville Louisiana
October 23, 2024
With deepest condolences sympathy. Rest ln Peace . From Pearl Williams and Barbara Williams of Garyville Louisiana
Steve Santiago
October 23, 2024
This is my uncle macario gustalum. A picture of my cousin Danny at the ballpark dodger stadium we're going to miss him
Guillermo Calderon
October 23, 2024
Fernando thank you for the wonderful memories while pitching for the Dodgers. Descanse en paz. Mi jugador favorito.
Dave Mann
October 23, 2024
What sad news. This man brought such joy and excitement when he pitched for the Dodgers. The phenomenon of "Fernandomania" captured the hearts of not only the city of Los Angeles, but the entire baseball world.
My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Steve Santiago
October 23, 2024
I remember he came over to my family's house for Christmas. My uncle macario gustalum played for the minor leagues who invited him over it was so cool. Rest in peace Fernando Valenzuela
Josh Monson
October 23, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela was one of the greatest mlb all stars of all time
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