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Mexican-Born Dodgers Legend Fernando Valenzuela, Who Inspired 'Fernandomania,' Dies at 63

Oct 23, 2024, 03:59 AM

Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Mexican-born pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers known as 'El Toro,' has died at the age of 63, the team announced. Valenzuela, a six-time All-Star, was hospitalized earlier this month with an unspecified illness. In his rookie season in 1981, the 20-year-old left-hander captivated the baseball world by winning both the National League Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year, remaining the only player to achieve this feat in the same season. He led the Dodgers to a World Series victory over the New York Yankees, inspiring 'Fernandomania' with his devastating screwball and unorthodox pitching style. Valenzuela threw a no-hitter on June 29, 1990, and his jersey number 34 was retired by the Dodgers. He is also the only Mexican-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter in MLB history. Valenzuela's impact extended beyond the field, as he forged a strong bond between the Dodgers and the Latino community in Los Angeles.