Fernando Valenzuela, Dodgers Legend Who Sparked 'Fernandomania,' Dead at 63

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, who sparked "Fernandomania" in the 1980s, has died at the age of 63.

Valenzuela, a left-handed pitcher from Mexico, made his MLB debut with the Dodgers in 1981 and quickly became a fan favorite. He was known for his unique windup and effective screwball, which helped him lead the Dodgers to the World Series in 1981 and 1988.

Valenzuela's Impact on Baseball

Valenzuela's success as a Mexican-born player helped break down barriers in baseball and inspired a generation of young Latino players. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1981 and won the Cy Young Award in 1986.

Valenzuela's impact extended beyond the field. He became a cultural icon in Los Angeles and was credited with helping to revitalize the city's Hispanic community. His popularity led to the coining of the term "Fernandomania," which described the frenzy surrounding his games.

Valenzuela's Legacy

Valenzuela retired from MLB in 1997 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017. He remained a beloved figure in Los Angeles, where he served as a special advisor to the Dodgers.

Valenzuela's death has been met with an outpouring of grief from the baseball community and beyond. He will be remembered as one of the most influential and beloved players in Dodgers history.