Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican-born star for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired 'Fernandomania' while winning the NL Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, has passed away. He was 63. The team announced his death on Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not disclose the cause or further details. Valenzuela's passing comes as the Dodgers are set to open the World Series against the New York Yankees on Friday night. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred stated that Valenzuela would be honored during the series at Dodger Stadium.

Valenzuela had stepped down from his role as a color commentator on the Dodgers' Spanish-language television broadcast in September without providing a reason. Reports indicated that he had been hospitalized earlier this month. His presence at Dodger Stadium was a constant, where he interacted with fans and media before games, signing autographs and posing for photos.

'God bless Fernando Valenzuela!' actor and Dodgers fan Danny Trejo posted on X. Valenzuela was a dominant force in the 1980s and a beloved figure, though he was never inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 'He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes,' said Stan Kasten, team president and CEO. 'He galvanized the fanbase 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.'

Valenzuela's journey from humble beginnings in Mexico to stardom in the US made him a significant figure in Los Angeles' Latino community and helped attract new fans to MLB. '63 is way too young.... A piece of my childhood is gone,' actor and Access Hollywood co-host Mario Lopez posted on X. 'Growing up as a Mexican kid one of the main reasons I'm a Dodgers fan is because of Fernando. ... Not only a great player, but a great man to the community. What a legend.'

In 1981, Valenzuela became the Dodgers' opening day starter as a rookie, beginning the season 8-0 with five shutouts and an ERA of 0.50. He was the first player to win a Cy Young and Rookie of the Year in the same season, creating the phenomenon known as 'Fernandomania.' Valenzuela was an All-Star selection every year from 1981-86, recording 97 victories, 84 complete games, 1,258 strikeouts, and a 2.97 ERA. He retired in 1997 with 173-153 record and a 3.54 ERA in 17 seasons.

Valenzuela's rise from a small town in Mexico to the pinnacle of baseball was remarkable. He signed his first pro contract at 16 and quickly excelled in the Mexican Central League. In 1978, Dodgers scout Mike Brito discovered Valenzuela, who signed with the Dodgers in 1979. Valenzuela returned to the Dodgers in 2003 as a Spanish-language radio color commentator, later switching to TV in 2015.

Valenzuela is survived by his wife, Linda, whom he married in 1981, their daughters Linda and Maria, and seven grandchildren.

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