Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela Reportedly Hospitalized – NBC Los Angeles

According to multiple media reports, Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela is in the hospital with an unspecified health issue and will not participate in the team’s Spanish-language broadcasts during the playoffs.

Valenzuela, 63, left the broadcast booth during a Sept. 24 series between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres. The Los Angeles Daily News reported that he is not expected to return to broadcast the team’s playoff games, which are scheduled to begin on September 24. Saturday.

NBCLA reached out to the Dodgers, who declined to comment on the report.

Although he appeared in a few games in 1980, Valenzuela burst onto the national scene in 1981 when he won his first eight games, including five in a loss, and became the only player to win the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year awards in category of the same season. It drew thousands of Mexican-American fans to Dodgers Stadium and stadiums across the country, sparking a frenzy known as Fernandomania.

The Dodgers won the World Series over the New York Yankees in six games, and Valenzuela was also a member of the Dodgers team that won the 1988 World Series over the Oakland As.

He finished his career with a record of 173-153 and an ERA of 3.54. He played 453 matches and 424 starts.

His number 34 is one of 12 retired by the Dodgers. He was celebrated during the three-day “Fernandomania” weekend in August 2023. He was also inducted into the Dodgers Ring of Honor as the 14th member of the group.