It’s concerning to hear that Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela is dealing with health issues, particularly given his prominent role in the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcasts for over two decades.
Valenzuela stepping away from his duties indefinitely, without an initial explanation, had already sparked concern, and reports now indicating that he’s been admitted to the hospital make the situation all the more worrisome.
Valenzuela is not just a baseball icon but a beloved figure in the Dodgers community, especially for the way he’s bridged the team with its Spanish-speaking fans. His contributions as a player and broadcaster have made him an enduring part of Dodgers history.
Terrible news being reported by David Faitelson of TUDN (TelevisaUnivision) that Fernando Valenzuela is in the hospital with health problems after stepping away from his duties with the Dodgers last week.@DavidFaitelson_
Wishing for the best for El Toro🙏 pic.twitter.com/miBkMq5eIK
— L.A. in a Minute (@LaInaMinute) October 1, 2024
Fernando Valenzuela’s legacy with the Dodgers is unparalleled, and it’s sad to hear that he may not return for the postseason broadcasts. His contributions to the team, from his stellar 11 seasons as a player to his long tenure in the booth, have left a lasting impact on the Dodgers and their fans. Valenzuela’s historic 1981 season, where he won both Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award while leading the Dodgers to a World Series title, remains one of the greatest individual seasons in baseball history.
His induction into the Dodgers Ring of Honor and the retirement of his No. 34 jersey were fitting tributes to his incredible contributions on and off the field. Hopefully, Valenzuela can recover soon, and the Dodgers community can rally around him during this difficult time.