'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
On Tuesday, reports emerged that LA Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela has been hospitalized. The news was initially broken by Mexican journalist David Faitelson via a post on X.
"I have a report from Los Angeles that legendary former Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has been admitted to a hospital… Not much is known. He and his family have wanted to keep the disease secret… We pray for his speedy recovery…"
Concerns grew when Valenzuela withdrew from his duties with the Spanish broadcast of the Dodgers, where he had become a fan favorite. The cause or exact details of his condition are not yet known as his family prefers to maintain privacy on the matter.
Valenzuela spent his first 10 years as a big leaguer representing the Dodgers. He was named an All-Star six times and won the NL Rookie of the Year award, NL Cy Young, Gold Glove, two Silver Slugger awards and a World Series during his time with the team. The Dodgers honored his achievements when they retired his No. 34 jersey on Aug. 11, 2023.
How Fernando Valenzuela became an icon in Los Angeles
After impressing during his time in the Mexican League, Fernando Valenzuela was acquired by the LA Dodgers on Jul. 6, 1979. He made his debut on the mound in the 1980 season where he was initially used as a reliever. In the 1981 campaign, Valenzuela finally got his chance to start as the previously scheduled starter picked up an injury just before the season opener.
He held the Houston Astros scoreless in his first game and the Dodgers won 2-0. As he went on a streak of exceptional performances, it appeared the Hispanic community of Los Angeles had found their new poster boy and "Fernandomania" had well and truly begun. Valenzuela went on to have a successful 1981 season as he secured the NL Rookie of the Year award, NL Cy Young award and the World Series.
Eventually, Valenzuela was released by the Dodgers following spring training of 1991. The next seven seasons saw him become a journeyman, as he had stints with the California Angels (now LA Angels), Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals before calling it a career.
Eventually, Fernando Valenzuela returned to where it all started, but this time in the broadcasting booth where he has been a fixture for the Spanish broadcasting team since 2003.
