Fernando Valenzuela, popularly known as “El Toro,” was one of the legends of the basketball world. The basketball world mourns his loss as he passed away on 22nd October 2024. He was 63 years old. Valenzuela was suffering from liver complications and ultimately succumbed due to multiple organ failure on 22nd October. He was admitted to a Los Angeles Hospital, where he passed away. He is known as one of the most famous basketball players for his glorious career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He left a strong footprint behind him in the Major League Baseball and the baseball sports world. Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, in Etchohuaquila, Mexico. His unique pitcher style as a Dodger made him a popular figure in Mexico and the United States.
A legendary figure- Valenzuela
Fernando Valenzuela made his debut in 1980 in the Major League debut. He quickly became popular owing to his unique playing style. He had an exciting rookie year by winning both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award. He became the first player in baseball history to win both titles in one single year. He had a successful sports career, and his ability to draw many people to the stadiums earned him a very special place in the hearts of baseball fans.
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In addition to his successful sports career, Fernando Valenzuela significantly impacted the Latino community. His glorious career motivated many young professionals to play baseball for Mexico. The term “Fernando-mania” was quite prevalent during his sports tenure. The term not only made him a popular figure but also helped to promote baseball as a game among the Spanish people.
Broadcasting Career
Fernando Valenzuela’s career as a professional baseball player earned him a lot of wealth and fame. However, after his retirement as a professional player, he continued to connect with his baseball love in a different way. He became a Spanish-language commentator for the Dodgers team. His unique voice added depth to the broadcasting and increased his loyal fan base. In addition to this role, he became a part-time owner of the Mexican Baseball Team- Tigres de Quintana Roo, showcasing his passion and love for baseball.
Personal Life
Fernando Valenzuela was very close to his family. He married Linda Burgos in 1981 and had four children. One of his sons, Fernando Valenzuela Jr., followed Valenzuela’s footsteps by playing for the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organisations.
In 2015, Valenzuela became a legal US citizen. He became popular in the United States due to his stellar career. However, he remained loyal to his roots, his native place, Mexico, where he remained a baseball icon.
The Legendary Baseball icon passes away
As mentioned above, Fernando Valenzuela, affectionately known as “El Toro,” passed away on 22nd October 2024 owing to multiple organ failure. However his family has remained private about the details of his illness, but it is known that the former baseball icon has been suffering lately from severe liver complications. Valenzuela was in the intensive care unit for several weeks before his death. He eventually succumbed due to multiple organ failure on tuesday.
His death came as a sudden shock to the entire baseball community. Days before his death, Valenzuela announced that he would retire from his role as a Spanish-language broadcaster due to his health issues. The Dodgers, the team in which Venezuela played and made his legacy, have requested his fans and people on the internet to give Valenzuela’s family some privacy and to keep him in his prayers during this difficult time.
Fernando Valenzuela Net Worth
Fernando Valenzuela’s net worth and earnings reflect his hardwork during his stellar career as a baseball legend. During the peak of his career in the 1980s, Valenzuela signed the most lucrative deal of his time. In 1987, he bagged a three-year contract for $5.5 million with the Dodgers. His annual salary reached upto $1.83 million in the following years. By 1988-1990, his yearly salary crossed the $2 million mark.
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Valenzuela’s stellar Major League Baseball career earned him approximately $17.3 million in salary alone. When he came to retirement age in the 1990s, his other professions, such as a role as a broadcaster and a business entrepreneur, contributed to his income and net worth. His estimated net worth was around $6 million when he died.
