"Love the Dodgers because of Fernando Valenzuela": Oscar De La Hoya pays heartfelt tribute to late World Series champion

Fernando Valenzuela's death has left the MLB community in mourning, and Mexican boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya shared in this sadness. In a touching tribute on Instagram, De La Hoya expressed his sorrow upon finding out the 1981 World Series champion's death.

De La Hoya had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch in 2016 to Adrian Gonzalez while donning Valenzuela's Dodgers jersey. The former six-division boxing champion used footage from that moment to craft a heartfelt tribute to the late legend.

"R.I.P. 'TORO' we would play golf on Sundays in MonteCholo golf course and he was always quiet, kind, polite and always amazing with the fans that really cared for him," De La Hoya said in an Instagram post.

"I love the Dodgers because of Fernando Valenzuela. Throwing out the first pitch with his jersey on was a true honor and not to mention left handed like the legend he will always be. Go @dodgers."

De La Hoya's mention of "left-handed" at the end of the tribute is a subtle nod to his boxing style. During his professional boxing career, the 1992 Olympic boxing champion made a living out of his signature left hook.

Golden Boy was also known for his accurate left jab, which troubled even Floyd "Money" Mayweather when they fought in 2007. Valenzuela similarly troubled sluggers with his left hand.

Alex Rodriguez pays tribute to Fernando Valenzuela

In a short time, the MLB community has lost several legends, including Pete Rose, Luis Tiant and now Fernando Valenzuela. Tributes flooded in for Valenzuela after news of his death broke.

Yankees icon Alex Rodriguez was among those who paid their respects. In a four-word tribute via his Instagram story alongside a youthful photo of Valenzuela, A-Rod said:

"Thank you legend. RIP."

IG story of Alex Rodriguez

Valenzuela's death occurred just before the World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees, which is set to begin on Friday.