‘El Toro’, Dodgers’ legendary Mexican pitcher, dies at 63

Fernando Valenzuela, the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher who in 1981 became the first player to win Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season, passed away on October 22 at the age of 63 due to medical complications.

Fernando “El Toro” Valenzuela’s success with the Dodgers sparked a huge sense of pride among millions of Mexican and Latino fans.

The leftie Mexican pitcher was a key to the Dodgers’ World Series victory in 1981. The Dodgers, now poised to face the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series, announced that they will honor Valenzuela’s memory during the series, which begins Friday, October 26, at Dodger Stadium.

“Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most impactful players of his generation,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement. “With his distinctive pitching style, his rookie season generated so much excitement in the U.S. and his native Mexico that it became known as ‘Fernandomania.’”

Born in Navojoa, Sonora, Valenzuela signed with the Dodgers in July 1979 for US$120,000 at the age of just 19. His rapid success sparked a sense of pride among millions of Mexican and Latino fans.

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