Mike Brito, famed Los Angeles Dodgers scout who signed Fernando Valenzuela and many others, dies at 87

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Mike Brito, their legendary international scout, died Thursday. The man was 87.

Brito worked for the Dodgers for 44 years and helped to bring in star players who were popular with multiple generations.

More than 30 players who were signed by Brito went on to play in the major leagues, most notably, Valenzuela, who was the first Mexican to play in a major league game.

Valenzuela said that his heart is very heavy. As a baseball player, Mike was an important part of my success. Mike was a huge fan of the Dodgers, and we will all miss him very much.

Brito is survived by his wife, daughters and granddaughters. The Dodgers said funeral services are still pending.

Brito was born in Cuba and went on to play professional baseball in Mexico in the 1960's. He moved to L.A. in 1968 and worked for the Dodgers as a Mexican League scout until 1978, when he was hired as the Dodgers' general manager.

Brito was elected to the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 and was named International Scout of the Year at Major League Baseball's winter meetings in 2004. He was presented with the Tony Gwynn Award by Baseball America last year.