Fernando Valenzuela, who sparked a fan phenomenon known as Fernandomania as a rookie and evolved into a legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, died Tuesday evening at age 63. The Dodgers announced Valenzuela died in a Los Angeles hospital but gave no details. Valenzuela, who won one Cy Young Award and finished in the top five in voting three other times, had been a Spanish-language announcer on Dodgers games for more than two decades before leaving the booth earlier this month "to focus on his health.
" Valenzuela pitched for the Dodgers from 1980-90, then had stints with the then-California Angels (1991), Baltimore Orioles (1993), Philadelphia Phillies (1994), San Diego Padres (1995-97) and St. Louis Cardinals (1997). He finished with a 173-153 record, a 3.
54 ERA and 2,074 strikeouts in 2,930 innings over 453 games (424 starts). "On behalf of the Dodger organization, we profoundly mourn the passing of Fernando," Dodgers president Stan Kasten said in a statement. "He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes.
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. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.
" MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement, "Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation. ..
. Following his memorable career,.