**Legendary Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela Passes Away at 63**

Fernando Valenzuela, a pitcher who captured the hearts of baseball fans around the globe, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. Renowned for his exceptional performances and charismatic personality, Valenzuela became a household name even among non-baseball enthusiasts, making an indelible mark in his 1981 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Vice President Kamala Harris, also the Democratic nominee for President, honored Valenzuela's memory in a heartfelt statement on social media. She praised his ability to unite Dodgers fans and inspire young athletes across America, Mexico, and the world. Harris expressed condolences to Valenzuela's family, including his wife Linda, their children, and grandchildren.

Valenzuela's career took off spectacularly in 1981 when, as a 20-year-old rookie, he delivered a series of extraordinary performances. He completed each of his first eight starts that season, with five of those games being shutouts. His remarkable achievements included finishing the season with a 13-7 record, leading the league with 180 strikeouts in 192.1 innings, and winning both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards.

In addition to his time with the Dodgers from 1980 to 1990, Valenzuela played for several other teams including the California Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals from 1991 to 1997. Over a 17-season MLB career, Valenzuela's record stood at 173-153 with a 3.54 ERA. Though he never replicated his phenomenal rookie season, he was named an All-Star six times and won a Gold Glove and two Silver Slugger Awards.

Valenzuela's impact extended beyond his playing days. He was honored by multiple institutions, including the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum, and the Caribbean Baseball Hall of Fame. For the past 22 years, he remained a beloved figure in the community by serving as a Spanish-language broadcaster for the Dodgers.

Not just a sports icon, Valenzuela also gave back to the community. In a recent gesture of goodwill, he actively participated in packaging and distributing food to over 400 Mexican American families facing food insecurity in East Los Angeles during Mexican American Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium.

In early October, the Dodgers announced that Valenzuela would be stepping away from his broadcasting roles to focus on his health. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

For more updates and stories on baseball, visit Newsweek Sports.