LULAC SAYS FAREWELL TO FERNANDO "EL TORO" VALENZUELA, THE FAMED MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL HERO

The Nations Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Pays Tribute to the Inspiring Mexican Athlete Whose Talent Ignited Sports Stadiums with Excitement

Washington, DC - With heavy hearts, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) bids farewell to Fernando "El Toro" Valenzuela, one of the most beloved figures in Major League Baseball, who passed away this Tuesday in California. A legendary pitcher, Valenzuela captured the hearts of millions with his extraordinary talent, humble beginnings, and undying love for the game.

"Baseball has lost a great and dear friend who played every inning of every game of his career with a sense of joy and inspired millions along the way," says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "As a longtime ardent baseball fan myself, I am saddened by his passing, and he has left a tremendous imprint atop the mound where we so often saw him hold that baseball in his glove, smile to the fans, and let fly those screwballs that were so effective and terrified countless hitters who faced him," he adds.

Born on November 1, 1960, in the small town of Etchohuaquila, in Sonora, Mexico, Valenzuela grew up in modest surroundings, but his baseball talent was evident early on. He rose from playing on dirt fields in Mexico to becoming a household name in professional baseball in the United States. Fernando's path to stardom began when he was scouted at age 17 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and in 1980, he made his Major League debut. But the magical 1981 season, known as "Fernandomania," solidified Valenzuela's place in history. That year, he became the first—and only—player to win the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in the same season.

After a storied career with the Dodgers, Valenzuela played for several other teams, including the Baltimore Orioles and the San Diego Padres, before retiring in 1997. Though he stepped away from the mound, his love for the game never faded. Fernando continued to be involved with baseball, serving as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers, bridging the gap between generations of fans and continuing to inspire new players.

'Many Latino children—boys and girls alike—saw themselves in Fernando," says Palomares. "His love for the game was contagious, inspiring them to join Little League teams and perhaps even dream of going to the majors. There will never be anyone else quite like Fernando. We will never forget him," he concludes.

LULAC sends its deepest condolences to Fernando’s wife, Linda and to their children and grandchildren.

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.