But Latino Dodger fans quickly embraced Valenzuela’s pitching talent, called him “El Toro” — “the Bull” — and came to more and more games. His representation on the team also brought more Spanish-language broadcasts to Mexican stations. His face showed up on TV commercials and even a box of Corn Flakes.

Legendary Mexican pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, who won Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award honors and a World Series in 1981 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has died, the team announced. He was 63.

Fernando Valenzuela, the Mexican-born phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers who inspired “Fernandomania” has died. He was 63.