Orlando Cepeda, the legendary first baseman known as the “Baby Bull” and a Puerto Rican baseball star, has passed away at the age of 86. His death was announced by the San Francisco Giants and his family, with a moment of silence held in his honor during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His wife, Nydia, shared that he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones, bringing an end to a significant chapter in baseball history.
The passing of Orlando Cepeda comes just days after the death of fellow Hall of Famer Willie Mays, leaving the Giants community reeling from back-to-back losses of two iconic players. Cepeda, a fixture at Giants home games until his health declined in recent years, was a pioneer for Puerto Rican players in the major leagues and made history as the first designated hitter for the Boston Red Sox. His enshrinement in the Hall of Fame in 1999 was a testament to his remarkable career and contributions to the sport.
With a career that included 11 All-Star selections, Cepeda solidified his place in baseball history with 379 home runs and a career .297 batting average. Despite facing challenges, including legal issues after retirement, Cepeda’s legacy as a beloved player and personality in the MLB remains enduring. His journey from humble beginnings to baseball stardom is a testament to resilience and the enduring impact of Puerto Rican players on the sport.
