Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic left-handed pitcher who helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the 1981 World Series. died last month septic shock. Valenzuela died on October 22 at the age of 63, although the cause of death was not specified at the time.

The actor’s death certificate from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and obtained by TMZ Sports Confirmed by Associated Presslists septic shock as the immediate cause. The life-threatening condition occurs when organs malfunction, often leading to dangerously low blood pressure.

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On the death certificate, the medical examiner listed decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis as underlying causes of septic shock. It also lists “possible” Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease as a significant condition contributing to Valenzuela’s death; This was announced by the Dodgers last month when it occurred shortly before the team won the World Series.

Valenzuela joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1980 and remained largely on the fans’ radar until 1981. He won his first eight starts that season (five with shutouts) and posted a 0.50 ERA in 72 innings. He became a key player en route to the Dodgers’ first World Series title since 1965, cementing his legendary status as the first and only player in MLB history to receive the National League Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards. same season.

Over the next five years he was consistently recognized as one of the league’s best pitchers. His final season with the Dodgers was in 1990. Although he signed with the Detroit Tigers in the spring of 1992, he never played for the team. His contract was purchased by Jalisco of the Mexican League that summer. Valenzuela returned to the major leagues to pitch for the Angels, Orioles, Phillies, Padres and Cardinals.

Although his number has not been worn by another player since his retirement and has been unofficially removed from circulation, the Dodgers officially retired his jersey number 34 during a pre-game ceremony at Dodger Stadium in August 2023.

Valenzuela was buried last week during a public mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Los Angeles, according to the AP. Former Dodgers Orel Hershiser, Ron Cey, Reggie Smith, Jerry Reuss, Manny Mota, Justin Turner, Rick Sutcliffe, Nomar Garciaparra and Jesse Orosco were among those in attendance.

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