On Tuesday, the sad news of the death of former Mexican baseball player Fernando Valenzuela, a historic figure not only in national sports but also with the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball, was reported.

Following the news, several personalities expressed their condolences and mourned the death of "El Toro" Valenzuela. Among them was former Mexican soccer player and national team member Hugo Sánchez.

During the broadcast of Futbol Picante on ESPN, Hugo Sánchez shared an emotional message after the passing of Fernando Valenzuela.

"Colleagues, I can't say 'good evening' because it's a sad night. This news has shaken, at least for me, my soul and spirit. It is a tremendous loss of a person who served as a sports symbol during a historic time for Mexican sports, in which I had the chance to coincide with him and with Julio César Chávez [...] Now, Fernando has stunned us all," said Hugo Sánchez during the broadcast.

A legend of Mexican sports says goodbye

Mexican Fernando Valenzuela, the iconic pitcher of the Dodgers and Major League Baseball, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, at the age of 63.

"The Dodgers mourn the passing of legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. Fernandomania forever," the Los Angeles team posted on the social network X, alongside an image of the left-handed pitcher.

MLB also echoed the irreparable loss of the symbol of Latin American baseball, who, with the number 34 and nicknamed 'El Toro,' became an idol in Los Angeles.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Dodgers great Fernando Valenzuela,” MLB stated in a press release.

Born on November 1 in Navojoa, Valenzuela passed away this Tuesday due to alleged liver complications that may have caused multi-organ failure.

Valenzuela's death comes just three days before the start of the World Series, in which his beloved Dodgers will face the New York Yankees.

Beyond the 11 seasons he showcased his talent on the field for the Dodgers, after retiring, Valenzuela took to the microphone, spending the last 22 years as the Spanish-language broadcaster for the Los Angeles team, which last year retired the number 34 that the Mexican star pitcher wore during his playing career.

Like few players can, Valenzuela made his mark from his arrival in the Major Leagues in 1981 with “Fernandomania,” when at just 20 years old, he started his first full season with an 8-0 record and a 0.50 ERA, finishing with a 13-7 record while leading the National League in starts (25), complete games (11), shutouts (8), innings pitched (192.1), and strikeouts.

This performance earned him the National League Rookie of the Year Award and the Cy Young Award, also playing a crucial role in leading Los Angeles to the World Series title in 1981, with a 3-1 record and a 2.21 ERA in five postseason games.

Throughout his 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, Valenzuela left behind a record of 173-153, with a 3.54 ERA in 453 games, 424 of which he started, compiling 2,930 innings pitched with 2,074 strikeouts, while wearing the jerseys of the Dodgers, San Diego Padres, California Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Baltimore Orioles.

Valenzuela led the National League with 21 wins in 1986, the same year he pitched 20 complete games.

The legendary Mexican pitcher was part of six All-Star Games held from 1981 to 1986.