Tributes pour in as legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela and ‘Fernandomania' icon dies at 63

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, whose incredible rise to stardom captivated baseball fans and led to the cultural phenomenon 'Fernandomania', died at age 63 on Tuesday, October 22.

The cause of his death was not revealed by Major League Baseball, which announced the legend's demise in a statement on Tuesday night.

Legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation. 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'."

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

He hailed from the small Mexican town of Etchohuaquila in the state of Sonora and went on to become one of the most iconic figures in MLB history.

Valenzuela was a six-time All-Star throughout his 17-year career in MLB. He finished his career with 173 regular season wins and over 2,000 strikeouts, per CNN.

The baseball legend played 11 seasons with the Dodgers and had stints with the California Angels, St Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, and San Diego Padres.

Valenzuela also became the only player in MLB history to win the Cy Young Award and the Rookie of the Year Award in the same season, per the outlet.

The Mexican-born pitcher’s rise to fame transcended past the pitching mound as he also became a cultural phenomenon that gave the Latino community in the United States a role model to root for.

Dodgers retired Valenzuela’s iconic jersey No 34 in 2023, and he became the first player in franchise history to receive the honor without being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Fans pay tribute to Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela after death at 63

Many of Fernando Valenzuela's fans paid tribute to the Dodgers' legend after his demise at 63. People remembered him and honored him for his contribution to the sport for several years.

A user wrote on X, "He brought a unique flair to the game with his pitching style, and his success in winning the Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award, and a World Series title in the same year is a feat that's hard to match", while another added, "Valenzuela was more than a player; he was a legend."

A fan also stated, "Fernando's impact on baseball and the Dodgers will never be forgotten. "Fernandomania" brought joy to so many fans. Rest in peace", whereas another mentioned, "One of the main reasons I watched baseball growing up a hero to all the young Mexican American kids."

A fan also wrote, "Reason why I’m a Dodger Fan #FernandoMania", while one commented, "We will never forget the number 34. Please rest in peace."

A fan also added, "RIP. Let's win the World Series in his honor!"

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