The death of Fernando ‘El Toro’ Valenzuela At the age of 63, he shocked the sports world, leaving a void in Mexican and international baseball. Undisputed icon of the Los Angeles Dodgers and pioneer of “Fernandomania,” Valenzuela was a reference both on and off the field, inspiring generations of fans and athletes.
One of the characters who always expressed his admiration for the Sonoran athlete was the former president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO)a baseball fan who maintained a close and respectful relationship with Valenzuela, highlighting him on several occasions as “the best baseball player in the history of Mexico.”
Even before his arrival to the presidency, López Obrador made it clear that baseball was one of his great passions. Throughout his six-year term, it was common to see him promote and support this sport, even playing in friendly matches. On several occasions, the now former president expressed his respect for historical figures of Mexican baseball, but more towards “The Bull.”
The relationship between AMLO and Valenzuela was consolidated through public moments in which the former president showed his admiration for the pitcher, remembering his impact on the sport and his legacy inside and outside of Mexico. From his first interactions at official events to appearing at government events, Valenzuela was always a key figure within the former president’s sports universe.
One of the most significant moments between López Obrador and Valenzuela occurred during the thank-you tour that the then president-elect made in Sinaloa in September 2018.
After a meeting with the then state governor, Quirino Ordaz, the Morenista had the opportunity to greet Valenzuela in a brief but emotional exchange. In that meeting, López Obrador expressed to the former pitcher of the Dodgers that he was “a source of pride for Mexico,” words that resonated both in the media and among baseball fans.
The video of that meeting was shared on social networks, where AMLO could be seen excited about meeting one of his favorite sports legends. “He is a source of pride for our country,” said the president with a smile, in what was one of the first public moments in which he made clear his admiration for the player.
In that same context, López Obrador also commented on a curious anecdote: he had been invited by the owner of the Dodgers to throw the first ball at a game in Los Angeles, but declined the offer due to his commitments in Mexico.
“I’m very happy to be here with Fernando Valenzuela… I take this opportunity to thank the owner of the Dodgers for the invitation that I received to throw the first ball, but I can’t leave the country, I’m hitting very well, hitting hard, until the “I’m hitting him with a corkscrew,” he said.
“Fernandomania”, the phenomenon unleashed by Fernando Valenzuela in the Major Leagues in the 80swas something that López Obrador not only understood, but also celebrated on several occasions. Valenzuela was not only a pioneer in opening the doors of United States baseball for Mexicans, but his success on the Dodgers’ mound served to strengthen Mexican identity abroad. The former president always highlighted this fact, considering Valenzuela as a role model for new generations of athletes.
In August 2022López Obrador starred in another important moment for baseball fans by sharing an afternoon on the field with great Mexican legends of this sport, including Fernando Valenzuela.
Likewise, in February 2023, during one of his usual baseball sessions at the Deportivo de la Alianza de Tranviarios in Mexico City, AMLO was accompanied by figures such as Vinicio Castilla, Teodoro Higuera and Adolfo ‘Chito’ Ríos, but the center of attention was, once again, Valenzuela.
In a video shared on his social networks, the then president expressed his admiration for the figures present, especially for Valenzuela, whom he described as “the best baseball player in the history of Mexico.” With a friendly tone, López Obrador praised not only the former pitcher’s sports skills, but also his humility and human quality. “He is a good citizen and a humble guy, the best,” he said.
At the end of his term, López Obrador celebrated one of the greatest tributes to Fernando Valenzuela’s career: the name change of the Sonora Stadium, located in Hermosillo, which was renamed Fernando Valenzuela Stadium.
This decision was received with enthusiasm by the former president, who in one of his morning conferences in August 2023 not only showed his support for the measure, but also described it as “a fair recognition” to the baseball idol
“He is an example for young athletes,” he highlighted on that occasion. In addition, he added that Valenzuela “deserves to be in the Hall of Fame of the Major Leagues”, referring to the eternal discussion about the absence of the Mexican in this prestigious venue. Although the former president acknowledged that “there are his things” that prevent Valenzuela’s induction, he insisted that “he deserves it.”
Fernando Valenzuela, born in Etchohuaquila, Sonorawas one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. His debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981 marked the beginning of a phenomenon known as “Fernandomania,” which transcended borders and made him a legend in both Mexico and the United States. With his trademark corkscrew pitch, he dominated the Major Leagues and earned multiple honors, including six selections to the All-Star Game.
Throughout his career, Valenzuela not only stood out for his talent on the mound, but also for his humility, something that earned him the love of fans. His legacy was recognized on and off the field, managing to impact both the followers of his time and new generations who see him as a symbol of Mexican baseball. After retiring in 1997, he remained close to the sport, working as a commentator and being a reference for Latinos in American baseball.