Baseball Legend Orlando Cepeda Passes Away at 86

Baseball fans mourn the loss of legendary first baseman and Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, who passed away at the age of 86. The son of Puerto Rican baseball star Pedro “Perucho” Cepeda, Orlando left an indelible mark on the game, starting his career with the New York Giants and moving on to the San Francisco Giants.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where Cepeda found his place of honor in 1999, expressed deep condolences to the Cepeda family, highlighting his passion for the game and his enduring legacy as both a player and an ambassador of baseball.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Orlando Cepeda was known as the ‘Baby Bull’ for his formidable presence on the field. His career spanned 17 seasons, during which he showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship, earning him a spot in baseball history.

Cepeda’s journey took him from the New York Giants to the San Francisco Giants, where he started as a rookie, clinching the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 1958 with an impressive .312 batting average, 25 home runs, and 96 RBIs.

Transitioning to the St. Louis Cardinals after knee problems cut short his time with the Giants, Cepeda flourished and led the team to a World Series title. His prowess at the plate garnered accolades like the NL MVP in 1967, solidifying his place among the elite in the Major League Baseball.

The Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and Kansas City Royals were also homes to the illustrious career of Orlando Cepeda, where he showcased his grit and determination despite knee injuries that plagued him throughout.

Cepeda found himself immortalized in Cooperstown as the second native Puerto Rican to be enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, following in the footsteps of the iconic Roberto Clemente. His impact on the game reverberates through generations of baseball enthusiasts, reminding all of the greatness that defines the sport.