San Francisco, California – Baseball fans around the world are mourning the loss of Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda, who passed away at the age of 86. Known as one of the first Puerto Ricans to make a name for themselves in the major leagues, Cepeda’s impact on the sport was immeasurable.
The announcement of Cepeda’s death was made by both the San Francisco Giants and his family on Friday night. A moment of silence was held at Oracle Park during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers to honor his memory. Cepeda’s wife, Nydia, shared that he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones and listening to his favorite music.
Cepeda’s passing comes shortly after the death of fellow Giants Hall of Famer Willie Mays, who died at the age of 93. The news has left the baseball community shaken, with Giants manager Bob Melvin expressing his disbelief and sadness at losing two legends in such a short time span.
Throughout his career, Cepeda, known as the “Baby Bull”, played for several teams including the Giants, St. Louis, Atlanta, Oakland, Boston, and Kansas City. His accomplishments on the field, including being a seven-time All-Star and winning the NL Rookie of the Year award in 1958 and the NL MVP award in 1967, solidified his place in baseball history.
Hall of Fame Chair Jane Forbes Clark praised Cepeda for his passion for the game and his role as an ambassador for baseball. She expressed the Hall of Fame’s condolences to the Cepeda family and highlighted the impact he had on the sport both during his playing days and beyond. Cepeda’s legacy will continue to shine brightly in the baseball world.