Orlando Cepeda, the renowned Hall of Fame first baseman known as “Baby Bull,” has passed away at the age of 86 in San Francisco.
Cepeda spent four impactful seasons with the Braves from 1969 to 1972, where he joined forces with Hank Aaron and Rico Carty to form a formidable lineup. His trade to the Braves from the Cardinals in 1969 marked a significant chapter in his career.
In 1970, Cepeda showcased his prowess by hitting .305 with 34 home runs and 111 RBIs. He accumulated a total of 74 home runs during his tenure with the Braves.
As one of the pioneering Puerto Rican players in the majors, Cepeda’s impact extended beyond his stellar performance on the field. His death was announced by the San Francisco Giants and his family on Friday night, with a moment of silence observed at Oracle Park during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Cepeda remained active in the baseball community until recent years, attending Giants home games regularly until 2017. Health challenges in 2018 led to hospitalization following a cardiac event in the Bay Area.
Despite enduring knee issues later in his career, Cepeda made history as Boston’s first designated hitter, a role he credits for his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999 through the Veteran’s Committee.
Reflecting on his career, Cepeda acknowledged the unexpected opportunity the DH role provided him: “The DH got me to the Hall of Fame. The rule got me to the Hall of Fame.”
Cepeda’s contributions to the sport were not only marked by his achievements on the field but also by his role in breaking barriers for Spanish-speaking players in professional baseball.
He concluded his career with a distinguished record, including seven All-Star appearances, three World Series, and accolades such as the 1958 NL Rookie of the Year and the 1967 NL MVP with the Cardinals.
Throughout his life, Cepeda’s journey epitomized resilience and dedication, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of baseball.
