Fernando Valenzuela, the left-handedDodgerspitcher who took Los Angeles by storm in the 1980s, has died at 63.
The club announced the news Tuesday on social media.
Memories of Valenzuelas performance that year are likely to be on the mind of many longtime Dodger fans.
Fernando Valenzuela in 2022Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Valenzuela had a memorable pitching motion which included a look skyward at the top of his wind-up.
That, plus his youth, dominance and appeal to the Latino market made Valenzuela perfect for Los Angeles.
Crowds flocked to see him.
During his warm-up routine at Dodger Stadium, the PA system would play ABBAs irresistible 1976 hit Fernando.
What followed was known as Fernandomania, an electric love affair between the town and its favorite pitcher.
He retired in 1997.
Late last year, the Dodgers finallyretired Valenzuelas No.
34 jersey, the culminating event after the city council declared Fernando Valenzuela Day.
I never expected it.
Fernando Valenzuela captivated the baseball world in 1981.
