Breaking News:Dodgers Announce Pitching Icon Valenzuela Discharged from Hospital and in Good Health

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Fernando Valenzuela will step away from the broadcast booth for the rest of the year to focus on his health.

In a statement, the team said, “He and his family truly appreciate the love and support from fans as he works towards returning for the 2025 season, and they have requested privacy during this time.”

This comes amid reports that the 63-year-old has been hospitalized for an unspecified illness.

Valenzuela, a legendary figure in Los Angeles, rose to prominence in 1981 when he won his first eight Major League Baseball (MLB) games, five by shutout. “Fernando-mania” swept through MLB, attracting large crowds, especially Mexican-American fans, to Dodger Stadium and other ballparks across the U.S.

In his remarkable rookie season, Valenzuela became the only player to win both the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same year. He led the National League in several categories, including strikeouts, shutouts, complete games, innings pitched, and starts, and helped the Dodgers capture the 1981 World Series title against the New York Yankees.

Valenzuela also played a key role in the Dodgers’ 1988 World Series victory over the Oakland Athletics and threw a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on June 29, 1990.

Over his career, he posted a 173-153 record with a 3.54 ERA. After leaving the Dodgers in 1990, Valenzuela pitched for several other teams, including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals.