Legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela has died at the age of 63

Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, known to fans throughout the baseball world as “El Toro,” has died at the age of 63.

Recently resident of Etchohauquila, Sonora, Mexico stepped down from his role in the Dodgers' broadcast booth to focus on his health just before the team's run to the World Series. He planned to return for the 2025 season.

The man behind the “Fernandomania” that took Los Angeles by storm in the 1980s spent 11 of 17 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Boys in Blue, leading the team to a World Series title in 1981.

He was best known for his signature windup and high leg kick before stunning hitters with a virtually unhittable screwball. Upon retirement, he ranks among the franchise's top 10 all-time in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, games started, complete games and shutouts.

The Dodgers honored Valenzuela in 2023 His No. 34 is retiredMakes him only the 11th Dodger to earn a spot above the left field bleachers.

The group went to X to confirm Valenzuela's death on Tuesday evening.

“Fernandomania forever,” he captioned one photo. “Fernandomania Forever.”

Valenzuela's rookie season in 1981 is considered one of the best of all time as he earned both the National League Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award. During his career he was named to six All-Star Games, won two Silver Slugger Awards and one Gold Glove Award. He also tossed a no-hitter in 1990, prompting one of the late Vin Scully's most memorable calls: “If you've got a sombrero, throw it in the sky!”

Upon retirement, he was the all-time leader in hits and strikeouts among players of Mexican descent.

“He created more baseball fans and Dodger fans than any other player,” said beloved former Dodgers broadcaster Jaime Zarin, who called games from 1959-2022 before Valenzuela's number was retired. “Thanks to this kid, people fell in love with baseball. Especially in the Mexican community.”

After his time with the Boys in Blue, Valenzuela pitched for several other major league teams, including the then-California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. He continued to play in the Mexican Baseball League until 2006.

Read more: Former teammates, fans and Los Angeles icons react to news of Fernando Valenzuela's death

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred shared a statement following the news.

“Fernando Valenzuela was one of the most influential players of his generation. With his distinctive pitching style, the Dodger left-hander's rookie season caused so much excitement in the United States and in his native Mexico that it was commonly referred to as 'Fernandomania,'” read the statement, part. After a memorable career, Fernando was an outstanding ambassador for baseball. He consistently supported the growth of the game through the World Baseball Classic and at MLB events in his home country. As a member of the Dodger broadcasting team for more than 20 years, Fernando helped reach a new generation of fans and cultivate their love of the game. Fernando will always be a beloved figure in Dodger history and an inspiration to millions of Latino fans.”

Major League Baseball plans to honor Valenzuela during the 2024 World Series, which opens Friday evening at Dodger Stadium.

“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I offer my deepest condolences to Fernando's family, the Dodgers, his friends throughout the game and all the loyal baseball fans in Mexico,” Manfred's statement said.