The passing of Fernando 'Toro' Valenzuela has shocked Mexico, depriving the country of one of its greatest athletes in history. Born in 1960 in Sonora, Valenzuela joined the Dodgers at 19 and quickly became a sensation in Major League Baseball. With his screwball pitch, he won the 'Cy Young' award in 1981, along with the Rookie of the Year award, leading the Dodgers in the World Series that same year.
'Fernandomania' took over Mexico when Valenzuela triumphed in baseball, with millions of compatriots stopping everything to watch his games. His stylish demeanor and captivating personality made him a legend on the field and an emblem of Mexican sports. Valenzuela not only shone in Major League Baseball but also represented Mexico in international events.
Throughout his 17 seasons in the Major Leagues, Valenzuela accumulated 173 victories, with an earned run average of 3.54 earned runs allowed per game. His sports legacy is only comparable to other Mexican icons like Hugo Sánchez in soccer and Julio César Chávez in boxing. Together, these three great athletes put Mexico at the top of the global sports stage.
Hugo Sánchez and Julio César Chávez also mourned the loss of Valenzuela, remembering his impact both in sports and in the country as a whole. Valenzuela's passing has left a void in the hearts of Mexicans, but his legacy will endure through generations, remembering a true national hero.
