Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela has reportedly been hospitalized – NBC Los Angeles

Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela is hospitalized with an unspecified health issue and will not participate in the team's Spanish-language broadcasts during the playoffs, according to multiple media reports.

Valenzuela, 63, left the broadcast booth during the Sept. 24 series between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres. The Los Angeles Daily News reported that he was not expected to return to broadcast the team's playoff games, which are scheduled to begin on Saturday.

NBCLA reached out to the Dodgers, who declined to comment on the report.

Although he appeared in a few games in 1980, Valenzuela burst onto the national stage in 1981 when he won his first eight games, five by shutout, and became the only player to win the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season. He drew thousands of Mexican-American fans to Dodgers Stadium and stadiums across the country, sparking a craze known as Fernandomania.

The Dodgers won the World Series over the New York Yankees in six games, and Valenzuela was also on the Dodgers team that won the 1988 World Series over the Oakland As.

He finished his career with a record of 173-153 and an ERA of 3.54. He played in 453 games and made 424 starts.

His No. 34 is one of twelve retired by the Dodgers. It was celebrated during a three-day “Fernandomania” weekend in August 2023. He was also inducted into the Dodgers Ring of Honor as the group's 14th member.