The Power of Fernandomania

Throughout his career, the Mexican-born legend played over 17 seasons, 11 of them with the beloved MLB team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was known for immaculate batting skills, hitting career home runs and showcasing a rarely used pitch that excited and captivated crowds. It’s that consistent and impressive resume that propelled him to becoming a six-time all-star and winning 173 games, 2,074 strikeouts, and a 3.54 ERA, but it wasn’t just his on-field success that fueled his fame. His ability to connect with diverse audiences, willingness to speak out, and persistent work ethic are what continue to make him a cultural icon even after his passing.

Fernando Valenzuela was born to a family of 12 siblings in Etchohuaquila, Mexico. His passion for baseball started young, and by seventeen, he was playing for the professional baseball team, the Guanajuato Tuzos. His talent caught the attention of a Los Angeles scout, and three years later, he was officially a Dodger. Valenzuela’s rookie season was historic: He finished with 13 wins and seven losses, leading the Dodgers to a World Series title.

Throughout his journey, the icon dealt with his fair share of trials, from injuries to salary challenges. In fact, at the beginning of his career, after such a standout season, he was only making $42,500, which today would be just under $70,000. Out of frustration, he refused to show up to spring training until he was paid fairly. While they didn’t meet his demands, it still resulted in an increase of $350,000. While challenges like this continue today for many marginalized people, his courage to speak up shows his resilience on and off the field.

Fernando Valenzuela's talent has lovingly been coined “Fernandomania,” and audiences from all over would travel to games to experience it first-hand, but he's perhaps more praised for his ability to bridge the gap between Latino audiences and the MLB. He inspired hope for many in the U.S. and Mexico and introduced many to the sport he loved. According to Stan Kasten, team president and CEO of the MLB team, “He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes.”

When his professional career ended, he used the next chapter of his life to become a beloved broadcaster and continued to speak and share his views on the sport that had been such an important part of his life. Fernando Valenzuela is a name that many grew up respecting and watching in awe, but many are just discovering his talent every day. His life, efforts, and career are a testament to why he deserves the title of icon.