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

In the hours since news of the legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela's death It was announced that former teammates, fans, Los Angeles city leaders and legends have taken to social media to express their condolences and memories to the man many know as “El Toro.”

After the Dodgers broke the news

Some of those who remembered growing up in the midst of his heyday stopped by Dodger Stadium to lay flowers and reminisce about their fondest memories of the man who meant so much to the City of Angels.

“He meant so much to Hispanics, and in that time … we had no meaning here. You know, we were poor, we did the jobs that no one else wanted to do,” said one fan. “But then we had a hero – Fernando Valenzuela. … He didn't just give us Hispanics something to believe in. He gave Los Angeles something we could believe in.”

Former teammates who shared the field with Valenzuela in the midst of the mania and the 1981 World Series spoke to Sports Central's Jim Hill to honor their friend.

“I think we're all sad and, as with any loss, it will come to varying degrees,” said fellow Dodger legend Steve Garvey. “This was truly an icon, not only in the world of sport but also in society. … He changed people's lives. God gave him this one great ability and he used it to reach millions and millions of people, not just in Los Angeles and the United States, but all over the world.”

“Fernando meant so much to us, not just to those of us who had the privilege of calling him a teammate and a friend as well, he meant so much to the Dodgers organization. “He meant so much to the entire community and to Southern California,” said Rick Monday, who also pitched for the Boys in Blue and still broadcasts games.

“He was a great competitor and a great Dodger in every sense of the word,” said Reggie Smith, who roamed the Dodger Stadium outfield from 1976 to 1981. “What you would expect from Dodger players and Fernando was exactly that.”

In a statement, Dodgers CEO and President Stan Kasten said: “He is one of the most influential Dodgers of all time and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes. He galvanized the fan base with the 1981 Fernandomania season and is still close to our hearts.” Since then, he has left us far too early, not only as a player but also as a presenter.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass shared a post on X with a photo of her and Valenzuela.

“Tonight our city mourns the loss of a legend,” her post reads. “For millions, Fernando Valenzuela was more than just a baseball player. He was an icon who transcended the boundaries of hopes and dreams. He was the voice of a game that we care deeply about. His charisma was palpable, and so was his excellence.” Undeniably, he was a world champion – through and through.

California Governor Gavin Newsom also took to social media to honor Valenzuela's legacy.

“From the moment he took the mound, Fernando Valenzuela captivated fans in Los Angeles, California and beyond – sparking ‘Fernandomania’ everywhere he went,” the governor said. “We will forever celebrate his profound impact on the game, his lasting legacy and his spirit that embodied the California dream.”