The team, which had become the first franchise to draw 3 million fans in 1978, averaged 48,430 fans during Valenzuela's home starts and 42,523 overall during the strike-interrupted 1981 season — the highest average attendance in Dodger Stadium history to that point.

He then spent three years with the Padres at the back end of his career. In addition, he also had small stints with the California Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles.

All-time MLB icon Fernando Valenzuela has passed away after losing his battle with long-time health issues. Valenzuela was a legend of the game and an enormously influential figure in Los Angeles’ Latino community due to his inspiring journey to the top.