Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic Mexican pitcher renowned for igniting “Fernandomania” with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has sadly passed away at the age of 63.
The Dodgers organization confirmed that he passed away on Tuesday evening at a hospital in Los Angeles, though they did not disclose the specifics surrounding his death.
His passing comes just ahead of the Dodgers’ World Series opener at home against the New York Yankees, scheduled for this Friday night.

Valenzuela recently stepped away from his role as a color commentator for the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcasts in September, and reports indicated he had been hospitalized earlier this month without revealing the reasons behind his health issues.
Throughout his career, Valenzuela was a familiar face at Dodger Stadium, often seen in the press box dining area, where he engaged with fans who frequently approached him for photos and autographs.

During his career, Valenzuela was a dominant presence on the mound and became a beloved sports figure in the 1980s.
Even though he was never inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he remains a significant part of baseball history with various artifacts displayed in Cooperstown, including a signed baseball commemorating his no-hitter in 1990.
His legacy continues to resonate, reflecting the profound impact he had on the game and the fans who cherished him.