Fernando Valenzuela burst onto the scene for the Los Angeles Dodgers and quickly became a fan favorite in the Hispanic community.

The team said he died Tuesday night at a Los Angeles hospital, but did not provide the cause or other details.

Valenzuela’s phenomenal start to the 1981 season ignited the craze and boosted interest in the team among the region’s Mexican-American fan base. He later worked for the team’s Spanish-language