Iconic Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela dies at 63

Fernando Valenzuela, the man behind the "Fernandomania" craze in the 1980s who was known affectionately to Dodger fans everywhere as "El Toro," has died at 63 years old.

[@Taino871]

I’m a Huge New York Yankees fan. I will not be upset if the Dodgers win this for Don Fernando Valenzuela. Que descanses en paz.

[@cbebop5]

💙🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@liogonzalez8813]

It ll be a great series for sure.

[@macsloan58]

Classy comment.

[@mlbolts72]

Rip Dodgers great ⚾️

[@thomaspapp104]

This might be the most iconic World Series of all time. NY vs. LA, paying tribute to the biggest Dodgers icon. It's a lot to take in.

[@plpfctn2007]

They use the word iconic too loosely these days but Fernando was absolutely iconic. We will never forget Fernando.

[@MK007-YT]

❤🙏👍

[@JoseMorales-lw5nt]

As a Yankees fan.... DAMN! If this ain't a rallying cry to win the Big Show, I don't know what is. Much respect to El Toro. I'll be pulling for my Bombers. But a part of me tips my hat to the Dodgers organization for having such a classy man in their ballclub. You know his #34 wil be on all Dodger arm sleeves come Friday.😢

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

Thanks Jose. Yeah, that may just be the one thing the Dodgers need to fill that injury-filled pitching staff. I just hope it goes 7 games and whoever wins, a tip of the cap to them.

[@Taino871]

I’m with you 100%. This is one of the men that reminded the World that Latinos ….. Poor Latinos love and play baseball. . I was one of them. I played first base with a Catchers mitt , But I really wanted to pitch, I found the beat up glove in a trash bin and I was able to have my Mom sew it together. My father got me a new glove when I was 12 and I remember crying I was so happy. I wanted to pitch like Fernando. We came over from Puerto Rico with $100. Dollars my dad fresh from Vietnam, He became a Police officer in a town that was well…. Not wealthy. But we survived and moved up.

[@harrypalma8821]

Good luck to your team too

[@RO-pg9hw]

When I was 5, I had no clue who he was but my dad bought me a Fernando hat and took me to my first game. I grew up to love this team due to my dad and Fernando. I miss them both😢

[@chrisschumacher4418]

As a Mariners fan, what a huge hole left in all of baseball. RIP Senior Valenzuela. It's a huge hole in the MLB baseball world. Condolences to your family.

[@bengolfs1]

This was a nice tribute by KCAL. Fernando looked very sick the last time he was seen by the public. Classy move by the Dodgers franchise to retire his jersey even though he wasn't a hall-of-famer. My guess is they were informed last year Fernando may have had a terminal disease. Either way, RIP Fernando. You always gazed at the stars. Now you are among them....

[@jeffwatts1126]

I'm in tears over here. Lifelong Dodger fan, I was 19 when he hit the scene. Man, what a spectacle that was. The inspired a mania you only see once in a generation. And it wasn't only in LA, it spread across the country. Without question my favorite Dodger of all time (I was too young when Sandy did his thing)

[@Tony-xu9bf]

Big Giants fan but so much love and respect for this man! Rip Legend 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@David.lovesU]

Thank you for having a heart. I vividly remember how popular he was in 81

[@ww2remembered983]

Same, Fernando was an all time great and a 80's icon. RIP Primo! Muchas Gracias!

[@Oaktown605]

I’m a long time Giants fan and Hispanic,Fernando Valenzuela made me feel proud to be Hispanic it’s sad to see El Todo pass 😢may he rest in paradise!!!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@IdolLord]

Thanks, I felt the same way when Willie Mays passed away.

[@KennyLORE]

The summer of 81 I'll never forget. I'm in tears right now. I thought I always had a chance to shake his hand one day. God Bless Fernando and his family.

[@ileneplantone3817]

Me too. I was there with my dad for Fernandos opening day

[@macsloan58]

I too am in tears. I have been a huge Pirates fan since I can recall. For some reason this really hits me. I am three years older than Fernando.

[@waltersalas1791]

As a kid, I met Fernando in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico because my uncle played for Los Mayos de Navojoa. Fernando just happened to be there during the off season in 1981. He was a great person. He signed a ball for me. Many years later, I saw him again at Montebello golf course and I told him the story of meeting him as a kid, he just smiled and said What a small world. RIP 34

[@Rico-ow3ys]

Rookie year 8-0 all complete games. No one does that anymore. RIP EL Toro.

[@ichironca]

Including five complete game shutouts in his first seven starts in 1981.

[@Pastrychef90210]

That was incredible.

[@amcynic]

His arm fizzled out because Tommy Lasorda left his pitchers in the game too long.

[@Rick_King]

@@amcynic No, it fizzled because of the screwball. Back in those days, a lot of pitchers threw twenty complete games. And there are far more injuries to pitchers now, than there were then. Things like pitch counts lead to more injuries, not fewer.

[@TheSports50]

He was one exciting pitcher.Loved his pitching style. Beating the Yankees in World Series. He was one great competitor but a great personality . Fans loved him

[@agentlainez]

No way, I bumped into him 2 months ago at his house in los feliz, we talked about this years Dodgers with Ohtani! RIP Fernando!!!

[@madmax6961]

Those were fun times. Ticket and hot dog prices were still so reasonable. I have great memories of him and the Dodgers. You will not be forgotten.

[@marktito6169]

Dodgers need to put a statue of Fernando at Dodger stadium

[@09obione]

So sad. We grew up with him and the dodgers. Rest in peace 😢

[@David-ut1xj]

​@@pigjubby1Yes

[@Michael-h6q]

I will always remember Valenzuela with his high kick before unloading the cannon towards home plate. Great picture, may you rest in peace.

[@dan_c_418]

I was 5 in 1981, maybe I had heard of Babe Ruth, or very general player knowledge, but Fernando was the first player I knew personally from his being in the credits for This Week in Baseball, the clip of his windup planted the seed of my love for the Dodgers. RIP Fernando, 4 more 4 34💙❗️

[@Greggsoldies]

Viva Los Dodgers! As a Dodger fan, I got to witness the beginning of Fernando Valenzuela's career in 1981 and the beginning of Fernandomania!! Thank you, Fernando Valenzuela (El Toro). For the memories!!! My prayers and condolences to the Valenzuela family 🙏 🙏🙏

[@devojonhson8326]

You were and still are big part of LA. Loved watching you pitch back then. We all love you Nando! RIP

[@JoniMagallanes78]

Gracias El Toro!!! D.E.P! Vamos “FERNANDOMANIA!!”🥇🏆🕊️

[@bcabrera971]

RIP Toro. You meant a lot to us.

[@ichironca]

My first memory of Fernando was a game I attended with my older sister on May 14, 1981. We chartered a bus from the Puente Hills Mall to the stadium and witnessed the largest regular season crowd in attendance to that point (53,906). Valenzuela received the loudest ovation when the lineups were introduced. He went on to pitch a complete game three hitter but gave up a game tying HR to Andre Dawson of Montreal with two outs in the 9th. But Pedro Guerrero saved him with a walk off HR in bottom 9th winning 3-2. Oh, and he also went 2 for 3 at the plate. I know there was Nomo mania in 1995 and Mannywood in 2008, but nothing compares to the phenomenon known as Fernando mania in 1981.

[@misguidedangel6550]

That was a great game against the Montréal Expos I remember it as well

[@thejoethe]

Man, this one hurts. RIP Fernando! He's one of the greats.

[@davida4802]

Well the Dodgers definitely have a good reason to win this series, do it for Fernando!

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

They already had a good reason; this just puts it on steroids! This may just be the extra little thing that gets us over the finish line.

[@ichironca]

@@davida4802 similar to 2016 after Vin Scully announced his retirement at seasons end. Win for Vin was the rallying cry but the Cubs were the team of destiny that year, breaking the 108 year drought. This time could be different. Dodgers match up well against the Yankees, especially if their offense continues to mash.

[@BusyChild]

What a stupid comment

[@patriciamurashige6879]

RIP!!! He was iconic and still is!!!!

[@Silence_Duder_Gooder]

Wow, I just got up and noticed this story in my feed and couldn't believe it. And right before the World Series starts? God speed El Toro!

[@BobbySanders-bf2fr]

Great tribute

[@ShortLifeHax]

*RIP you left us too soon, The Screwball was incredible. All the best. May you enter the gates of Dodger Heaven.* -From NYC.

[@wolfwittgenstein5400]

Too young to die. R.I.P.

[@theomarcus]

R.I.P Fernando... 🙏

[@ipina350z]

We will miss him. 34

[@abelinaportillo1783]

Legendary. Fernando ValenzueLA #34⚾️🕊️

[@victorm1559]

Let’s win for Fernando

[@seethree6478]

Without question Fernando had a unique impact on the Latino community but anyone who was there knows he moved EVERYBODY who witnessed his incredible story as it played out. He brought people together and made a mark well beyond baseball. Fernandomania was very real not some manufactured LeBronny moment. God bless you, Fernando. And, I will throw a sombrero in the air for you AND Vin on Friday. 🙏

[@macsloan58]

Outstanding comment. The LJ comparison is perfect. That is so fake. FV was so rel.

[@margaretcastellano3167]

You did us , Latinos, PROUD🎉🎉😢

[@sierrabrew7759]

El Torro!! You are one of the all time Greats 💙 ! Gone too soon you will be missed.

[@MarcusFlores-o3f]

Rest in peace Fernando you be miss from all dodgers fan god bless you 🙏 Fernando

[@shaneynereneyne4493]

Man, not just Los Angeles but Mexican Culture lost a great one tonight guys.. what a legend. RIP El Toro🐂🇲🇽

[@eddiedesantiago5733]

Valenzuela must be recognized as one of best pitchers ever in MLB - RIP - Sad day for Los Angeles and legions of Valenzuela's followers :(

[@rogeliofernandezjimenez3053]

The Best Mexican pitcher ever.

[@misguidedangel6550]

With respect to Montréal Expos legend Dennis Martinez

[@captainsatellite2112]

Great career on the field and in the broadcast booth. The '81 season and beyond were amazing and so much fun. That screwball he threw was devastating for batters. RIP Fernando.

[@catopwnzify]

Buen Viaje Fernando. Viva Dodgers y Que Viva Fernando.

[@aidereyes4726]

Gracias por hermosos recuerdos, reunirnos en familia para verte jugar. Descansa en paz querido Toro Valenzuela

[@punetang-vtnm]

Grew up watching him pitch...R.I.P.

[@oscare76]

A Legend 😢

[@terrydon6263]

Was born in north Hollywood,but moved to Chicago when 4.Stayed an LA sports fan,saw Sandy pitch at Wrigley,but not Nando.Really wanted to,just never happened.Have only loved about 7 sports guys in life,he is one.RIPeace dear man,❤😢⚾

[@charliegone1652]

RIP to a Dodger hero.

[@LOLMAN9538]

You know, I kinda want the Dodgers to win the World Series now. To honor their fallen comrade.

[@phantasm8180]

In the field, a legend... off the field, one of us.

[@krlm2280]

Rip Fernando Valenzuela 😢

[@misguidedangel6550]

I was a kid in Calgary Canada in 1981 but i remember Fernado-mania well, even us Canadian kids thought we were Fernando when we played ball. Watched him play against the Montréal Expos i remember on tv

[@johnroma9412]

Confident with endless stamina on the mound. I think he is top 10 ,maybe top 5 all time. My personal list he is #2 all time. And I’m a GIANTS fan. You can’t talk all time best without Fernando Valenzuela.💪💪💪⚾️⚾️⚾️

[@zerimar26]

I'm stunned to hear about his passing away. Gone way too soon. The Dodgers' fanbase wouldn't be what it is today without Valenzuela. I recommend watching ESPN's 30 for 30 "Fernando Nation." R.I.P. Fernando Valenzuela.

[@bubhub64]

Magnificent legend! RIP 'El Toro.' RIP Fernando Valenzuela.

[@billyhall53]

Thanks for some of the best pitching ever!! Yankees fan but loved you! RIP Fernando✝️🙏⚾️

[@brokenwrench404]

Thanks for the memories Fernando. RIP

[@ThanosEdittsss]

LAD WILL WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR YOU FERNANDO WE ALL LOVE YOU RIP LEGEND😢❤

[@ShortLifeHax]

Good luck.

[@lizdee1079]

RIP Fernando. You will be missed. Condolences to your family and friends.

[@lissanatamayo2417]

I hope the Dodgers will win this World Series dedicated to Fernando Valenzuela against the Yankees. Let's make Los Angeles champion again for ⚾

[@ShortLifeHax]

Good luck.

[@Arteyliteratura03]

Uno de los tres grandes deportistas junto a JC. Chávez y Hugo Sánchez que en los 80s pusieron el deporte mexicano en los ojos del mundo QEPD Fernando Valenzuela

[@Johnny_Chingas13]

I still remember at 6 yrs old sitting in my parents living room and gathering around the muted TV with the Dodgers Spanish broadcast on the radio every time he pitched. It was a reason to get together with family and celebrate someone like us...that's how my love for baseball and the Dodgers started. RIP Fernie!

[@victorscarpulla2478]

As a Mets Fan. I remember him on the mound. And he brought fear to the hitters for sure. One of the Greats Of The Game.

[@Mr.NoName1972]

I'm in shock right now. Fernando Valenzuela was the first Dodger pitcher I watched when my Dad took me to my first Dodger game in August of 1982. Dodgers beat the Reds 11-3 that night. Fernando Valenzuela should be in the Hall of Fame. RIP Fernando.

[@BobbySanders-bf2fr]

God bless you Fernando

[@lashutterbug]

It's even sadder when you remember that Fernando's antecedent, the amazing Luis Tiant, also just recently passed away. I consider myself lucky to have seen both Fernando and El Tiante take the mound. If you watch Tiant's performances with the Red Sox in the mid-70s, you can understand just where Fernando was coming from, because their pitching styles were so, so similar. RIP Fernando; you are already missed.

[@PEPPERJET7]

True American 🇺🇸 Athletic Hero 🇺🇸 Baseball legend 🇺🇸

[@ravin-yw1vj]

The Dodgers will win the World Series for Fernando Valenzuela 💙

[@ShortLifeHax]

Good luck.

[@toddjohnson6806]

1981 i was 13 yrs old on the east coast Philadelphia phillies fan but i watched every game and highlight that was available that summer ... 💯

[@GheorgeDuarte]

there are Dodgers and there are Dodgers

[@renefierro2353]

I'm in tears , as a Mexican American kid growing up he gave me hope that I could do anything !! Thank you Fernando , you'll ALLWAYS be my HERO !! RIP TORO !!

[@enriquezuniga7338]

I remember as a kid growing up in the 80’s after a Dodger game waiting for Fernando in the player parking lot for an autograph . Fernando would drive a Corvette to the the home games . RIP Fernando . Thank you for the great memories as a kid .

[@boog91174]

R.I.P. El Toro! I will always remember how great he was during that run. He was amazing.

[@Oceangirl_505]

When Fernie pitched, he turned his eyes to Heaven. God has welcomed him to Heaven!

[@bennymorales1197]

May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏼 Gracias por tantas memorias Fernando El Toro. 💯👏🏼

[@stephanejolicoeur9701]

This documentary put a lot of emphisis in his Race, but as a baseball pitcher myself, we players, were absolutely amazed by Valenzuela magic on the mount, an extraordinary pitcher, and a fantastic batter, something not seen since Babe Ruth I believe. We never saw him as a Mexican but as a spectacular talent. As a Canadian, I find it very stange that evething in the US always revolves around Race and perpetuals Wars.

[@victorm1559]

Fernando Gracias valla con Dios

[@jameskonners8304]

RIP Fernando! Thanks for adding to my childhood. (Met fan) My grandmother adored him.❤

[@prof.m3082]

RIP. God bless. ⚾️ 🙏.

[@perryjacobs4093]

Fernando was one of the greatest of dodger pitchers. It was always fantastic to watch him pitch.. he will be missed.

[@victorrodriguez5464]

EL TORO THE BEST .❤

[@GregoryWright-dh9rh]

I lived in SoCal during Fernandomania. He was the all the rage, the talk of the town and the region. It was a magical time.

[@victorm1559]

Fernando will meet again with Vin

[@georgethomasmendivil7776]

⚾Long Live Fernando Valenzuela💙 ⚾"VIVA FERNANDO VALENZUELA"💙 💙💙💙💙💙"EL TORO" 💙💙💙💙💙

[@orizaba6363]

I remember Fernando in 1981 , he becomes a legend, never forget. And the music from ABBA, Fernando song was a good match for him. RIP Fernando Valenzuela.

[@robertrivera5866]

Condolences to the Valenzuela family. Fernando, thank you for the great memories. May your soul rest in eternal peace.

[@imapaine-diaz4451]

What a week of highs...and now lows. the last time the Yankees and Dodgers met, Fernando was there. I think he'll be there this time too. in the hearts and minds of all dodger fans and dodgers on the field who weren't even born the last time. GO DOGERS!

[@mackydog99]

As a long time Dodgers fan 💙 my heart is broken right now. I was fortunate enough to attend many of the games back in the 70's and 80's. Fernando, you will be missed! RIP El Toro!

[@nukelaloosh6561]

As kids we all wore our favorite players number but none of us wore 34 because we weren’t left handed. I wish I could go back in time just to wear 34. He was awesome to watch!

[@SandraArthur-xl7oq]

Isn’t it amazing both Hernandez on the Dodgers had home run hits in the same game that was Fernando’s spirit , saying let’s take the game to the Yankees Again , he got his wish !!🙏🏻Rip

[@garylagstrom3864]

Win the World Series for him! Remember he helped win it against the Yankees in 1981 and part of it in 1988! GO DODGERS AND RIP FERNANDO!

[@viazel2796]

R.I.P💐 Valenzuela ⚾️🕊🪽🪽🙏🏽

[@dianelandau2337]

Aah too bad ,what a legend ,he is out of his pain ,Godbless his family ,rest in peace

[@edgarvazquez7259]

One word 'LEGEND'

[@cfarlow5830]

R.I.P. Fernando. Prayers go out to all who knew and loved him. Never forgotten. 🙌💟🙌

[@Oceangirl_505]

Fernando should be in the Hall of Fame!

[@hectormorales5974]

R.I.P- TORO

[@ericdiaz7944]

RIP to El Toro. What a workhorse. He had a streak of 255 consecutive starts and averaged 13 Complete games a year for 5 straight seasons in the 80s.

[@MarieAlvarez-r5g]

Very 😢 sad news rip🙏 Fernando