Former Los Angeles Dodgers star Fernando Valenzuela, one of the sport's most beloved figures, died on Tuesday at the age of 63, the MLB club said in a statement.

The Mexican pitcher played 17 seasons in MLB for six clubs but was best remembered for his time with the Dodgers, particularly for his role in the 1981 team, which beat the New York Yankees in the World Series.

His performances in that season and the excitement it caused became known as "Fernandomania" and attracted a large Mexican fan-base to the Los Angeles team.