Dodgers’ icon Fernando Valenzuela had been unwell for some time, yet he chose not to discuss it, even with his nearest friends and colleagues, in an effort to maintain his privacy.

Watching him pitch with his distinctive style, his gaze lifting skyward, was a marvel. His presence was enjoyable even beyond his retirement, with his delightful humor bringing laughter, and a sense of well-being simply from seeing him enter a room.

It was only this summer that things dramatically changed.

You saw him, you talked to him, you spent time with him, and that beautiful, engaging spirit was gone, replaced by a vacant look in his eyes

He was diagnosed with cancer, liver cancer to be specific, but suffered in silence, not wanting anyone to feel sorry for him. He passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63.

He arrived from Etchohuaquila, Mexico, became an overnight star in Los Angeles, and had the Latino community bursting with pride to be Dodgers fans, with the Anglo fans scrambling to learn Spanish — or at least a few popular phrases.

Valenzuela remains the only pitcher in baseball history to have won both the Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season, back in 1981. He was, without a doubt, the most outstanding ballplayer ever to emerge from Mexico. Even 43 years on, his legacy as the greatest endures.

“He is one of the most influential Dodgers ever and belongs on the Mount Rushmore of franchise heroes,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers CEO and president, in a statement. “He galvanized the fan base with the Fernando mania season of 1981 and has remained close to our hearts ever since, not only as a player but also as a broadcaster. He has left us all too soon.’’

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