LEGENDARY baseball player Fernando Valenzuela married school teacher Linda Burgos in 1981.
Here is everything you need to know about the late Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher‘s relationship and kids.
Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela during his wedding ceremony to school teacher Linda Margarita Burgos Metri[/caption]
Who is Fernando Valenzuela’s wife Linda Burgos?
Linda Burgos was a school teacher from Mexico and had a successful career, as per Sportskeeda.
She and her star husband Fernando Valenzuela tied the knot on Tuesday, 29 December 1981 at the Immaculate Mary Church, Merida, Mexico.
Linda and Fernando crossed paths during the pitcher’s exceptional playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
How many kids did Linda Burgos have with Fernando Valenzuela?
Linda and Fernando had four children together: Fernando Valenzuela Jr., Maria Fernanda Valenzuela, Ricardo Valenzuela and Linda Valenzuela.
Their first son Valenzuela Jr. was born on September 30, 1982, in San Pedro, California.
After completing his studies at the University of Nevada, las Vegas, Valenzuela Jr. went on to build a career as a first baseman within the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox organizations.
He now plays minor league baseball in independent leagues.
What happened to Fernando Valenzuela?
On October 22, 2024, Valenzuela tragically passed away after reportedly battling his health problems.
Earlier this month, Valenzuela was hospitalised after suffering from health problems, his team said in a statement.
They added that Valenzuela and his family wanted to keep the disease a secret and urged fans to respect their privacy.
The statement read: “Fernando Valenzuela has stepped away from the Dodger broadcast booth for the remainder of this year to focus on his health.
“He and his family truly appreciate the love and support of fans as he aims to return for the 2025 season.
“They have asked for privacy during this time.”
“Not much is known,” journalist David Faitelson added.
“He and his family have wanted to keep the disease secret.
“We pray for his speedy recovery.”
Fans were quick to leave their comments of support on social media.
“Prayers up for Fernando,” one wrote.
“Heal up goat,” a second posted on X.
“Prayers for the legend,” a third said.
Fernando Valenzuela has tragically died aged 63[/caption]
How did Fernando Valenzuela become a baseball star?
After moving to America, Valenzuela became an instant hit in Los Angeles, hitting the ground running as a rookie and attracting attention for his unusual southpaw “screwball”.
His incredible popularity was dubbed “Fernandomania” – with members of LA‘s Latino community immediately taking to him.
Valenzuela’s 1981 MLB season would go down in legend, with the Mexican becoming the first player to win the league’s Rookie of the Year Award and Cy Young Award for best pitcher in the same year.
That season would finish in glory, with Valenzuela helping the Dodgers win their fifth World Series.
He also earned the first of six All-Star appearances during his career.
The star had the best period of his career from 1981 to 1986.
Valenzuela would eventually be released by his beloved Dodgers in 1991, before brief stints with the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St Louis Cardinals.
The Dodgers remained the team in Valenzuela’s heart, however, and he returned in 2003 to serve as the team’s Spanish-language radio color analyst.
He worked in the role for 20 years, before going on leave prior to this season in order to focus on his health.
Last year, his No34 jersey was retired by the Dodgers.
Valenzuela won the World Series in 1981 and was a six-time All-Star[/caption]
