A beloved baseball legend has stepped down from his role as a Spanish-language radio broadcaster for the remainder of the postseason, citing health concerns. The 63-year-old icon, who has been an integral part of the team’s broadcast team since 2003, aims to return for the 2025 season.
During his illustrious playing career, the left-hander made his major league debut as a 19-year-old reliever and went on to achieve unprecedented success. His breakout season in 1981 earned him the National League Cy Young Award and NL Rookie of the Year, as well as a World Series championship. That year, he posted a remarkable 13-7 record, 2.48 ERA, 11 complete games, and 8 shutouts, leading the National League in innings pitched and topping the majors in strikeouts.
The charismatic player’s unique windup, complete with a skyward glance, and his Mexican heritage captivated fans in Southern California, sparking a phenomenon that would come to be known as “Fernandomania.” He went on to earn six consecutive All-Star selections, finishing in the top five in Cy Young voting three times.
Despite a shoulder injury that hindered his performance later in his career, the team honored his legacy by retiring his number 34 in a pregame ceremony at the stadium in August 2023, breaking from tradition by recognizing a non-Hall of Famer. The number had been unofficially retired since his departure from the team 32 years prior.
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