Dodgers fans pay tribute to Fernando Valenzuela after his death

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Tributes have poured in following the death of Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Dodgers pitcher who inspired “Fernandomania” and sparked interest in the game among Los Angeles’ Latino community.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

Dodger Stadium was lit in blue in honor of the left-hander who had his number 34 retired by the team in 2023.

Fans stopped outside the stadium to share memories and leave flowers for the beloved Dodgers icon.

“Fernando Valenzula is from Sonora, where my family is from. My mom was very proud and happy. She came to every game and brought us along,” Marcia Cagigas told Eyewitness News outside Dodger Stadium.

Valenzuela’s rise from humble beginnings as the youngest of 12 children in Mexico and his exploits on the mound made him extremely popular and influential in the Los Angeles Latino community, while also helping to attract new fans to Major League Baseball. Their affection for him continued for years after his retirement.

“He was a gentleman in every way. He was very humble,” said actor and Los Angeles native Danny Trejo. “I think he refused to think of himself as great, but he was. Humility would come when you praised him and his face would almost turn red.”

“63 is too young… A piece of my childhood is gone,” actor 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 just a great player, but a great man for the community.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called Valenzuela a legend and “a world champion — through and through.”

“To millions, Fernando Valenzuela was more than a baseball player,” Bass posted on X. “He was an icon who transcended the limits of hope and dreams. It was palpable and its excellence was undeniable.”

California Senator Alex Padilla posted on X: “You can’t tell the story of Dodgers baseball without Fernandomania. El Toro was a hero to our community in and outside the mountain, and he leaves an indelible legacy. My thoughts are with his family during this time.”

His performances created the delirium known as “Fernandomania” among Dodgers fans. ABBA’s hit “Fernando” played as he warmed up on the mound.

“Fernando Valenzuela was a true icon of the Dodgers and the game,” Rep. Jimmy Gomez posted on X. “His legacy and connection to the Latino community in Los Angeles is one of the reasons I fell in love with the Dodgers.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred said Valenzuela would be honored during the World Series at Dodger Stadium.

The Dodgers named Valenzuela as part of the “Legends of Dodger Baseball” in 2019 and inducted him into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2023.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.