Fernando Valenzuela has died at the age of 63. Valenzuela made his mark as one of the most popular Dodgers of all time, attracting Mexican and Mexican-American fans who celebrated the pitching star as a transformative figure in Major League Baseball.

“We deeply mourn the passing of Fernando,” said LA Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten, who called Valenzuela, “One of the most influential Dodgers ever.”

Valenzuela, who had been with the Spanish-language Dodgers broadcaster for more than two decades, had announced earlier this month that he had left the booth for the remainder of the season to focus on his health.

When announcing Valenzuela would be stepping back, the Dodgers did not clarify the nature of his health issues. The team said at the time: “He and his family greatly appreciate the love and support of fans as he looks to return for the 2025 season.” , and they have requested privacy during this time.”

Valenzuela made his mark as a pitcher, making his debut on the mound for the Dodgers at the age of 19. He was a legendary member of the 1981 Fernandomania season. That year, Valenzuela won National League Rookie of the Year honors and the Cy Young award.

Surrounded by family, Fernando Valenzuela waves to fans as the Dodger Organization retired his jersey number on August 11, 2023.

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Jason Armond

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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

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Last August, Valenzuela’s No. 34 jersey was retired by the Dodgers in front of a packed stadium.

As part of the celebration, the pitcher threw a vicious screwball, dubbed “El Toro,” the first to throw at Mike Scioscia, his longtime catcher.

Jaime Jarrin, another legendary Dodgers announcer, explains the significance of Valenzuela when his number was retired.

“He immediately became a hero to Latinos after baseball,” Jarrín told LAist. “The most important thing is that he created so many new baseball followers … people from Mexico, from Central America, from South America who didn’t care about baseball at all.”

Go deeper: ‘Fernandomania’ Returns: The Dodgers (finally) retire Fernando Valenzuela’s number

Broadcasting career

Famed baseball scout Mike Brito watches as Fernando Valenzuela #34 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after winning the 1981 World Series against the NY Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

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Jayne Kamin-Oncea

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Getty Images

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Since 2003, Valenzuela has been a favorite broadcaster for the team. Valenzuela has been calling games for the past 21 years.

That part of his career began after Valenzuela had played 11 years, including as a pitcher for the 1981 team that defeated the New York Yankees. The two teams, one of the most iconic in the MLB, will face off this Friday for the first time since then.

His background

Valenzuela was the youngest of 12 children, born in Etchohuaquila, Sonora, Mexico.

Within a year of his Major League debut in 1980, Fernandomania began after he went on to an unprecedented career opening run, with complete games in his first eight career starts. Five of those games were shutouts and his ERA was a stunningly low 0.50.

According to the Dodgers, Valenzuela is survived by his wife, Linda, and four children, Fernando Jr., Ricardo, Linda and Maria Fernanda, and seven grandchildren.