Orlando Cepeda, the celebrated baseball Hall of Famer and a stalwart of the San Francisco Giants, has died at the age of 80.
Cepeda, who took the field as a first baseman, represented several major league clubs including the Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Oakland Athletics, and Boston Red Sox. He passed away on June 29, 2024, although details regarding the cause of his death remain undisclosed.
Nicknamed “The Baby Bull” due to his robust physique and intense approach to the game, Cepeda left a significant mark on professional baseball during his prime in the 1950s and 1960s. His career highlights include three All-Star appearances, the 1958 National League Rookie of the Year award, and being named the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 1967.
In 1999, he was honored by being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, making history as the first player born in Puerto Rico to achieve this accolade. Cepeda also played a pivotal role in expanding baseball’s reach in Puerto Rico and Latin America.
Cepeda is revered not only for his athletic prowess but also for his longstanding association with the Giants and his influence as a mentor to younger athletes. In their official statement, the Giants expressed profound grief at his passing: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Orlando Cepeda, a cherished member of the Giants family for over six decades. Orlando’s legacy as a player and a person will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
He leaves behind his wife Miriam and their three children, who have asked for privacy as they mourn. The baseball world and all who knew Orlando Cepeda mourn his loss and celebrate his enduring legacy, which is sure to resonate for many years to come.
