LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers announced on Wednesday that club legend and Spanish-language broadcaster Fernando Valenzuela is stepping away from the radio booth for the remainder of the season to “focus on his health.”
“He and his family appreciate the love and support of fans as he aims to return for the 2025 season,” the Dodgers announced on social media. “They have asked for privacy during this time.”
Valenzuela, who has been a member of the Dodgers’ broadcast team since 2003, has been away from the booth for a couple of weeks. The exact reason is not yet known.
The 63-year-old Valenzuela, who was at the center of “Fernandomania” during his rookie season as a player, is one of the most influential and beloved players in franchise history. So much, in fact, that the Dodgers announced before the 2022 season that they were retiring Valenzuela’s No. 34 despite him not being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.