Fernando Valenzuela leaves Dodgers broadcasts for health reasons

Field Level Media|published: Wed 2nd October, 15:52 2024

Aug 11, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela (34) speaks during a ceremony to retire his jersey number prior to a game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Dodgers icon Fernando Valenzuela is stepping away from the team's radio broadcasts for the remainder of the playoffs "to focus on his health."

In a statement, the Dodgers provided no further details but said the 1981 National League Cy Young winner "aims to return for the 2025 season." The Dodgers won the NL West and await the San Diego Padres-Atlanta Braves wild card winner for the NL Division Series that will begin Saturday in Los Angeles.

pic.twitter.com/x0B0nQzFx1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 2, 2024

Valenzuela, 63, has been a Spanish-language radio broadcaster for the Dodgers since 2003. He retired from baseball after appearing in 18 games in the 1997 season.

Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star, all with the Dodgers, and won his lone Cy Young -- along with NL Rookie of the Year -- in 1981. He was released by the Dodgers in March 1991, days before the season started.

He pitched for five teams over the next seven years before calling it a career.

The Dodgers retired Valenzuela's No. 34 in August 2023, although no player had worn it in the 32 years since he last did.

--Field Level Media

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