Fernando Valenzuela, Dodgers legend who sparked ‘Fernandomania,’ dead at 63

Dodgers legend and six-time All-Star Fernando Valenzuela died on Tuesday night, Major League Baseball announced.

He was 63.

No cause of death was given.

“Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement on Tuesday night. “With his distinctive pitching style, the Dodgers left-hander’s rookie season generated so much excitement in the U.S. and his native Mexico that it became commonly referred to as ‘Fernandomania.’ His 1981 season ranks among the most decorated pitching years of all-time as Fernando was the National League Rookie of the Year, the NL Cy Young Award winner, a Silver Slugger and a World Series champion.

After starting his professional career in Mexico, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in 1979 and made his MLB debut in 1980 at 19 years old.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes,” Stan Kasten, team president and CEO, said in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernandomania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.”