Legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela passed away last month from septic shock, as revealed in his death certificate. The document, obtained by TMZ Sports and verified by the AP, lists decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis as underlying causes of the condition. Valenzuela died on October 22 at age 63, though no cause of death was immediately provided.
Septic shock, the official cause of death, is a critical condition that results in organ failure and severe drops in blood pressure. Additionally, the death certificate noted “probable” Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease as a contributing factor. Valenzuela’s death was announced by the Dodgers shortly before their World Series win, marking another significant moment in the team’s history.
Valenzuela joined the Dodgers in 1980, capturing fans’ attention the following year when he won his first eight starts, including five shutouts, and posted an impressive 0.50 ERA in 72 innings. He played a pivotal role in securing the Dodgers’ first World Series title since 1965 and became the only player in MLB history to win both the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. For the next five years, he was recognized as one of the league’s top pitchers.
After leaving the Dodgers in 1990, Valenzuela briefly joined the Detroit Tigers in 1992 but did not play for them; instead, he moved to the Mexican League’s Jalisco. He later returned to MLB, playing for the Angels, Orioles, Phillies, Padres, and Cardinals. The Dodgers had unofficially kept his No. 34 jersey out of circulation until officially retiring it in a Dodger Stadium ceremony in August 2023.
Valenzuela was honored with a public mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, attended by former Dodgers players including Orel Hershiser, Ron Cey, Reggie Smith, and others.
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