Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63 – NBC Los Angeles

Because he also became the first rookie to lead the National League in strikeouts in 1981, the Dodgers won the World Series that season. He made his MLB debut at the age of 19 with the Dodgers on September 15, 1980.

Nicknamed “El Toro,” the Bull, by his fans, Valenzuela attracted scores of Mexican-American fans to Dodger games, sparking a craze known as Fernandomania.

Valenzuela retired from baseball after the 1997 season and finished his career with a 173-153 record and a 3.54 ERA. He played in 453 games and made 424 starts.

In 2003, he returned to the Dodgers as a Spanish-language broadcaster.

His No. 34 was one of twelve retired by the Dodgers.

Stan Kasten, president and CEO of the Dodgers, issued a statement expressing the team's sadness over the loss of Valenzuela.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers of all time and belongs to the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes,” Kasten’s statement read. “He galvanized the fan base with the 1981 Fernandomania season and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a fan, as a player, but also as a broadcaster. He left us far too soon. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Linda and his family.”

Valenzuela is survived by his wife, four children and seven grandchildren.