Who Is Fernando Valenzuela? Age, Biography and Wiki
Fernando Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, making him 64 years old as of 2025. He is a celebrated Mexican former professional baseball player known for his exceptional pitching skills and unique windup technique. Valenzuela rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he made significant contributions to the team's success and became a fan favorite. His legacy extends beyond the baseball diamond, as he has also served as a cultural icon, inspiring many young athletes in Mexico and the United States.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 1, 1960 |
| Age | 63 Years |
| Birth Place | Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Mexico |
| Date of death | 22 October, 2024 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Fernando Valenzuela's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Fernando Valenzuela stands at a height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kg). Throughout his career, he maintained an athletic physique, which contributed to his performance on the field. While specific body measurements are not publicly available, his robust build and agility were key attributes that helped him achieve a successful career in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Valenzuela peaked from 1981 to 1986, when he was named a National League (NL) All-Star in each season. He won an NL-leading 21 games in 1986, when he was a runner-up to Mike Scott of the Houston Astros for the Cy Young Award. Valenzuela was also one of the better hitting pitchers of his era.
He had ten career home runs and was occasionally used by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda as a pinch-hitter. In 1986, he signed the then-largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history ($5.5 million/3 years). However, nagging shoulder problems diminished the remainder of his Dodgers career.
He was on the Dodgers' 1988 World Series championship team, but sat out the postseason with a shoulder injury. Valenzuela threw a no-hitter in 1990 before the Dodgers released him prior to the 1991 season. He spent the rest of his major league career with the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St.
Louis Cardinals, before pitching a couple of seasons in Mexico in his 40s.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Fernando Valenzuela has kept many aspects of his personal life private. However, it is known that he is married to his longtime partner, and they have children together. Valenzuela often shares glimpses of family life on social media, showcasing his strong family values and their supportive role in his life. As of 2025, he enjoys a comfortable and loving relationship with his wife, but no detailed information about his family members or children is widely available.
He was the youngest of 12 children. His parents, Avelino and María, were poor farmers who worked the land with the help of their children and were of Mayo indigenous ancestry.
Net Worth and Salary
By engaging with followers, he continues to inspire and motivate future generations of athletes.
Valenzuela repeatedly commanded record-setting salaries. Prior to the 1983 season, Valenzuela became the first player to be awarded a $1,000,000 salary in arbitration (equivalent to $ million in ), with his drawing power cited as part of the pitch.
Before the 1986 season, he signed a contract worth $5.5 million over three years (equivalent to $ million in ), then the wealthiest contract for a pitcher in baseball history. His annual average salary of $1,833,333 and 1988 salary of $2.05 million (equivalent to $ million in ) also both set records for a pitcher.
Career, Business and Investments
Valenzuela has also invested in real estate and other businesses, further solidifying his financial stability. His post-retirement endeavors have kept him relevant in the sports industry while allowing him to give back to the community that supported him throughout his career.
Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers organization after retiring, serving as a broadcaster from 2003 to 2024, the year of his death. The Dodgers retired his No. 34 in 2023. His career highlights include a record of 173–153, with an ERA of 3.54. His 41.5 career wins above replacement (according to Baseball Reference) is the highest of any Mexican-born MLB player.
Education
Valenzuela was an iconic figure for the Mexican-American community in Los Angeles and his impact "transform[ed] what had been predominantly a white [Dodger] fan base." The Dodgers had previously courted controversy among Los Angeles' Latino community due to the location of Dodger Stadium.
Starting in 1951, the city of Los Angeles had struggled to evict a predominantly Latino, working-class community in the Chavez Ravine neighborhood (see Battle of Chavez Ravine).
The city promised the nearly 1,800 displaced families, which also included Italian-Americans and Chinese-Americans, that it would allow the families to return after building a public housing project on the site. However, Norris Poulson was elected mayor in 1953 on a platform opposing public housing, and the housing plan was canceled.
